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THE ANTi-TEXASS LEGION. 



PROTEST 

OF SOME FREE MEN, STATES A1^I> PRESSES 

AGAINST THE 

TEXASS REBELLIOM, • 

AGAIXST THE 

LAWS OF NATURE AND OF NATIONS. 




Ruthless Rapine, Righteous Hope defies 



"Ye serpents ! ye ge.ieration of vipers! ! * . 

How c'xn ye escape the damualion of hell! ! !" 

1844. , ?jj. 

Sold at the Pa- riot Office, No. 9 Exchanjre st. Albany. _ • . . 
Six Gt.s. single; 50 per dozen; -^3 per Imndred ; ^25 per thcasand. * 



Vt. 



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LIST OF THIS LEGION OF LIBERTY. 
Delenda est Texas. 



Benjamin Lundy, 

(Gen. Gaines' trespass,) 

Mexican Decrees for 

Universal Freedom, 

Texas Constitution 

against Freedom, 

President Guerero, 

John Qaincy Adams, 

Tlie Mexican Arms, 

The London Patriot, 

William B. Reed, 

National Intelligencer, 

Edward J. Wilson, 

G, L. Postlelhwaite, 

New-York Sun, 

N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, 

Wilkinson s and Bun's trial, 

African Slave Trade and Texas, 

British Commissioners Report, 

(Bartovir's Case,) 

Detroit Spectator, 

American Citizen, 

Liberia Herald, 

Daniel Webster, 

William Jay, 

The British Parliament, 

Barlow Hoy, 

Daniel O'Connell, 

Col. Thompson, 

Fowell Buxton, 

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, 

Robert Owen, 

Thomas Branagan, 

Joseph Sturge, 

William E. Channing, 

Commonwealth of Mass., 

Nathaniel P. Rogers, 

David Lee Child, 

Edwin W. Goodwin, 

Joshua R. Giddings, 

John Maynard, 

Zebina Eastman, 

Gamaliel Bailey, 

A. S. Standard, 

William L. McKenzie, 

La Roy Sunderland, 

J. B. Lamar, 

Archibald L. Linn, 

William Slade, 



British Emancipator, 

G. W. Alexander, 

George Bradburn, 

Edmund Quincy, 

Pawtucket Chronicle, 

Cleveland Journal, 

Legislature of Vermont, 

Gen. Assembly of Ohio State, 

A. S. Society of Pennsylvania, 

A. S. Convention of N. Y. State, 

Philadelphia Gazette, 

Friend of Man, 

Pres. Jackson's Inconsistency, 

William B. Tappan, 

Southport American, 

Edward Everett, 

Mass. Legislature, 1843. 

The Free American, 

The Liberator, 

The Liberty Press, 

New- York American, 

Mexican Side, 

■New-York Tribune, 

Pittsburg Gazette, 

Lynn Record, 

Richmond Whig, 

Hoonsocket Patriot, 

Hampshire Republican, 

William H. Burleigh, 

Louisville Journal, 

State of Rhode Island, 

Legislature of Michigan, 

John Quincy Adams, 

Seth M. Gates, 

William Slade, 

William B. Calhoun, 

Joshua R, Giddings, 

Sherlock J. Andrews, 

Nathaniel B. Borden, 

Thomas C. Chittenden, 

John Mattocks, 

Christopher Morgan, 

J. C. Howard, Victor Birdseye, 

Hiland Hall, Thos. A. Tomlinson, 

Stanley A. Clark, Chas. Hudson, 

Archibald L. Linn, 

Thos. W. Williams, Tru. Smith, 

IDav. Bronson, Geo. N. Briggs, 
Petition to Congress. 



N EXCHANGK 



TEXAS AND MEXICO. 

But the prime cause, and the real object of this war, nre not di^ 
tinctly understood by a large portion of the honest, disinterested and 
wSl-meaning citizens of the United States. Their means of obtain- 
in- correct information upon the subject have been necessarily hmited ; 
and many of them have been deceived and misled by the misrepresent 
tations of those concerned in it, and especially by hu-e ing xx^iters of he 
newspaper press. They have been induced to beheve that the m- 
halTitants of Texas were engaged in a legitimate contest for the mainte- 
nance of the sacred principles of liberty, and the natural in ahenable 
rights of man :-whereas,the motives of its instigators, and their ch let 
iifcentives to action, have been, from the commencement of a directly 
opposite character and tendency. It is susceptible of the dearest demon, 
stration that the immediate cause, and the leading object of this contest, 
originated in a settled design, among the slaveholders of this country, 
UvUh land speculators and slave-traders,) to wrest the large ^ndvahmbe 
territory of Texas from the Mexican Republic, in oner «« f "f ^"^^'f 4.^^^ 
SYSTEM OF SLAVEP»-Y; to open a vast and profitable bLAVlL 
MARKET therein ; and ultimately to annex it to the United States. 
And further, it is evident-nay, it is very generally acknovdedged- 
that the insurrectionists are principally citizens of the United btates, 
who have proceeded thither /or the purpose o? revolutionizing the 
country; and that they are dependant upon t^i^.^f ion, for bo h the 
physical and pecuniary means, to carry the design into effect. Whether 
the national legislature will lend its^id to this most unwarm^ 
ao-o-ressive attempt, will depend on tie VOICE OF THE PEOPLis 
expressed in their primary assembles, by their petitions and thi-ough 
the ballot boxes. ^, .. 

The land speculations, aforesaid, have extended to most of the cities 
and villac.es of the United States, the British colonies in Amenca, and 
the settlements of foreigners in all the eastern parts of Mexico. All 
concerned in them are aware that a change in the government ot the 
country must take place, if their claims should ever be legalized. 

The advocates of slavery, in our southern states and elsewhere, 
want more land on this continent suitable for the culture of sugar and 
cotton: and if Texas, with the adjoining portions of lamaulipas, 
Coahuila, Chihuahua, and Santa Fe, east of the Rio Bravo del Norte 
can be wrested from the Mexican government, room will be afforded 
for the redundant slave population in the United States, even to a 

remote period of time. , ,.■ r • * *= 

Such are the motives for action— such the combination of interests 
—such the or<Tanization, sources of influence, and foundation ol 
authority, upon^vhich the present Texas Insurrection rests. The resi- 
dent colonists compose but a small fraction of the party concerned m 
It. The standard of revolt was raised as soon as it v/as clearly ascer- 
tained that slavery could not be perpetuated, nor the illegal specula 
tinnsin land continued, under the government of the Mexican Repubhc. 
The Mexican authorities were charged with acts of oppression, white 
the true causes of the revolt— the motives and designs of the msurgersts 



BENJAMIN LUNDY. 

— were studiously concealed from the public view. Influential slave- 
holders are contributing money, equipping troops, and marching to 
the scene of conflict. The land speculators are fitting out expeditions 
from New York and New Orleans, with iiien, munitions of war, pro- 
visions, &c., to promote the object. The Independence of Texas is 
declared, and the system of slavery, as well as the slave-trade (with 
the United States,) is fully recognized by the government they have 
set up. Commissioners are sent from the colonies and agents are 
appointed here, to make formal application, enlist the sympathies of 
our citizens, and solicit aid in every way that it can be furnished. The 
hireling pi-esses are actively engaged in promoting the success of their 
efforts, by misrepresenting the character of the Mexicans, issuing 
inflammatory appeals, and urging forward the ignorant, the unsus- 
pecting, the adventurous, and the unprincipled, to a participation in 
the struggle. 

Under the erroneous construction of the treaty with Mexico, General 
Gaines was authorized to cross the boundary line with his army ; to 
march seventy miles into the Mexican territory ; and to occupy the 
military post of Nacogdoches, in case he should judge it expedient in 
order to guard agai7ist Indian depredations ! And further ; he was 
likewise authorized to call upon the governors of several of the sovth- 
loestern states for an additional number of troops, should he consider it 
necessary. 

From the Pensacolo Gazette. 

" About the middle of last month, General Gaines sent an officer of the 
United States army into Texas to reclaim some deserters. He found thcin 
already enlisted in the Texian service to the nimiber of tivo hunched. They stUl 
wore the uniform of our army, but refused, of course, to return. The cum- 
mander of the Texian forces was applied to, to enforce their return ; but his 
onlv reply was, that the soldiers might go, but he had no authority to send 
them back. This is a new view of our Texian relations." 

The following decrees and ordinances are translated from an official 
compilation by authority of the government of Mexico. 

Extract from the Law of October Uth, 1823. 
Article 21. Foreigners who bring slaves with them, shall obey the 
Laws established upon the matter, or which shall hereafter be estab- 
lished. 

Decree op july 13, 1824. 
Prohibition of the Commerce and Traffic in Slai^es. 
The Sovereign General Constituent Congress of the United Mexi 
can States has held it right to decree the following : 

1. The commerce and traffic in slaves, proceeding from whatever 
power, and under whatever flag, is forever prohibited, within the terri- 
tories of the United Mexican States. 

2. The slaves, who may be introduced contrary to the tenor of the 
preceding article, shall remain free in consequence of treading the 
Mexican soil. 



BENJAMIN LUNDY. 

3. Every vessel, whether national or foreign, in which slaves ma^ 
be transported and introduced into the Mexican territories, shall bo 
confiscated with the rest of its cargo — and the owner, purchaser, cap- 
tain, master, and pilot, shall surfer the punishment of ten years' con- 
tinement. 

The Constitution of Coahuila and Texas, promulgated on the 11th 
of March, 1827, also contains this important article : 

" 13. In tliis state no person shall be born a slave after this Consti- 
tution is published in the capital of each district, and six months there- 
after, neither will the introduction of slaves be permitted under any 
pretext." 

[Translated from page 149, Vol. V, Mexican Laws.] 

Decree of President Guerrero. 
Jlholilion of Slavery. 

The President of the United Mexican States, to the inhabitants of 
the RepubUc — 

Be it known : That in the year 1829, being desirous of signalizing 
the anniversary of our Independence by an act of national Justice and 
Beneficence, which may contribute to the strength and support of such 
inestimable welfare, as to secure more and more the public tranquility, 
and reinstate an unfortunate portion of our inhabitants in the sacred 
rights gra.nted them by nature, and may be protected by the nation, 
under wise and just laws, according to the provision in article 30 of the 
Constitutive act ; availing myself of the extraordinary faculties granted 
me, I have thought proper to decree : 

1. That slavery be exterminated in the republic. 

2. Consequently those are free, who, up to this day, have been 
looked upon as slaves. 

3. Whenever the circumstances of the public treasury will allow it, 
the owners of slaves shall be indemnified, in the manner which the 
laws shall provide. 

Mexico, loth Sept. 1829, A. D. 

JOSE MARIA de BOCANEGRA. 

[Translation of part of the law of April 6th, 1830, prohibiting the 
micfration of citizens of the United States to Texas. J 

Art. 9. On the northern frontier, the entrance of foreigners shall be 
prohibited, under all pretexts whatever, unless they be furnished with 
passports, signed by the agents of the republic, at the places whence 
they proceed. 

Art. 10. There shall be no variation with regard to the colonies 
already established, nor with regard to the slaves that may be in them ; 
but the general government, or the particular state government, shall 
take care, under the strictest responsibility, that the colonizaiion laws he 
obeyed, and that no more slaves be introduced. 



1* 



BENJAMIN LUNDY. 

Colonization Laws of Coahuila and Texas. 

\rt. 3". The new settlers, in regard to the introduction of slaves, 
shatl be subject to laws which now exist, and which shall hereafter be 

made on the suhject. , . , . „ ^ . , • . 

Art 36 The servants and laborers which, m future, foreign colonistg 
shall introduce, shall not, by force of any contract whatever, remain bound 
to their service a longer space of lime than ten years. 

Given in the city of Leona Vicario, 28th April, 1832. 

^ JOSE JESUS GRANDE, President. 

In the course of my observations, I have several times asserted, that 
it was the intention of the insurrectionists to establish and perpetuate 
the system of slavery, by " constitutional provision. In proof of this, 
I now quote several paragraphs from the » constitution '' which they 
lately adopted. This extract is taken from that part under the head 
of " General Provisions,'" and embraces all that relates to slavery. 

Texas Constitution. 

Sec. 8. All persons who shall leave the country for the purpose of 
evading a participation in the present struggle, or shall refuse to partici- 
pate in it, or shall give aid or assistance to the present enemy, shall 
forfeit aU rights to citizenship, and such lands as they may hold, m the 

^%KC. 9. All persons of color, who were slaves for life previous to 
their emigration to Texas, and who are noiv held in bondage, shall 
remain in'the hke state of servitude, provided the said slave shall be the 
bona fide property of the person so holding said slave as aforesaid. 
Congress shall pass no laivs to prohibit emigrants from the United States 
of America from bringing their slaves into the republic with f/^m, and 
holdioff them by the same tenure by which such slaves were held m 
the United States ; nor shall congress have the power to emancipate 
slaves; nor shall any slaveholder be allowed to emancipate his or her slave 
or slams, xoithout the consent of congress, unless he or she shall send his 
or her slave or slaves without the limits of the republic. ]So free 
person of African descent, either in whole or in part, shall be permitted 
to reside permanently in the republic, without the consent of congress ; 
and the importation or admission of Africans or negroes inio this 
republic, excepting from the United States of America, is for ever 
prohibited and declared to be piracy. 

Sec iO. AU persons, {Africans, and the descendants of Africans, and 
Indians excepted,) who were residing in Texas on theday of the Decla- 
ration of Independence, [a great portion of the native Mexican citizeiis 
are of course, excluded,] shall be considered citizens of the republic, 
and entitled to all the privileges of such. All citizens now living m 
Texas who have not received their portion of land in like manner as 
colonists, shall be entitled to their land in the following proportion and 
manner : Every head of a family shall be entitled to one league and 
"labor" of land, and every single man of the age of seventeen and 
upwards, shall be entitled to one third part of one league of land. 



BENJAMIN LUNDY. 

The period has indeed arrived— THE CRISIS IS NOW— when 
the wise, tlie virtuous, the patriotic, the philanthropic of this nation, 
must examine, and reflect, and deeply ponder the momentous subject 
under consideration. Already we see the newspaper press in some 
of the free states, openly advocating the system of slavery, with all its 
outrages and abominations. Individuals occupying influential stations 
in the community at large, also countenance and encourage it, and 
even instigate the vile rabble to oppose, maltreat, and trample on the 
necks of those who dare to plead the cause of the oppressed. At the 
ensuing session of our national congress, the great battle is to be fought, 
tliat must decide the question now at issue, and perhaps even seal the 
fate of this republic. The senators and representatives of the people 
will then be called on to sanction the independence of Texas, and also, 
to provide for its admission, as a SLAVEHOLDING STATE, into 
this Union. These measures will positively be proposed, in case the 
Mexican government fails to suppress the insurrection very soon, and 
to recover the actual possession of the territory. A few of our most 
eminent statesmen will resist the proposition with energy and zeal ; 
but unless the PUBLIC VOICE be raised against the unhallowed 
proceeding, and the sentiments of the people be most unequivocally 
expressed in the loudest tones of disapprobation, they M-ill be unable 
to withstand the influence and power of their antagonists. Arouse, 
then ! and let your voice be heard through your primary assembhes, 
your legislative halls, and the columns of the periodical press, in every 
section of your country I 

Citizens of the United States! — Sons of the Pilgrims, and disciples 
of Wesley and Penn ! — Coadjutors and pupils of Washington, Jeffer- 
son, and Franklin ! — Advocates of freedom and the sacred '■'■rights of 
man .'" — Will you longer shut yom* eyes, and slumber in apathy, while 
the demon of oppression is thus stalking over the plains consecrated 
to the genius of liberty, and fertilized by the blood of her numerous 
martyrs ? — Will you permit the authors of this gigantic project of 
national aggression, interminable slavery, and Heaven-daring injustice, 
to perfect their diabolical schemes through your supineness, or with 
the sanction of your acquiescence ? If they succeed in the accomplish- 
ment of their object, where will be your guarantee for the liberty which 
you, yourselves enjoy ? When the advocates of slavery shall obtain 
the balance of power in this coi)&deration ; when they shall have 
corrupted a lew more of the aspirants to office among you, and opened 
an illimitable field for the operations of your heartless land-jobbers and 
slave-merchants, (to secure their influence in effecting the unholy 
purposes of their ambition,) how long will you be able to resist the 
encroachments of their tyrannical influence, or prevent them from 
usurping and exercising authoiity over you ? ARISE IN THE 
MAJESTY OF MORAL POWER, and place the seal of condem- 
nation upon this flagrant violation of national laws, of human rights, 
and the eternal, immutable principles of justice. — j^ational Enqxnrer 
of Philadelphia. 



JOHN Q. ADAMS. 



JOHN a. ADAMS. 



During the late war with Great Britain, the military and naval com- 
manders of that nation, issued proclamations inviting the slaves to 
repair to their standards, with promises of freedom and of settlement 
in some of the British colonial establishments. This, surely, was aa 
interference with the institution of slavery in the states. By the treaty 
of peace, Great Britain stipulated to evacuate all the forts and places 
in the United States, without carrying away any slaves. If the 
government of the United States had no authority to interfere, in any 
way, with the institution of slavery in the states, they would not have 
had the authority to require this stipulation. It is well knov/n that 
this engagement was not fulfilled by the British naval and milit;u-y 
commanders ; that, on the contrary, they did carry away all the slaves 
whom they had induced to join them, and that the British government 
inflexibily refused to restore any of them to their masters ; that a claim 
of indemnity was consequently instituted in behalf of the owners of the 
slaves, and was successfully maintained. All that series of transactions 
was an interference by congress with the institution of slavery in the 
states in one way — in the way of protection and support. It was by 
the institution of slavery alone, that the restitution of slaves enticed by 
proclamations into the British service could be claimed as ■property. 
But for the institution of slavery, the British commanders could neither 
have allured them to their standard, nor restored them otherwise than 
as liberated prisoners of war. But for the institution of slavery, there 
could have been no stipulation that they should not be carried away 
as property, nor any claim of indemnity for the violation of that 
ensagenxint. 

But the war power of congress over the institution of slavery in the 
states is yet far more extensive. Suppose the case of a servile war, 
complicated, as to some extent it is even now, with an Indian war; 
suppose congress were called to raise armies ; to supply money from 
the whole Union to suppress a servile insurrection : would they have 
no authority to interfere with the institution of slavery? The issue of 
a servile war may be disastrous. By war, the slave may emancipate 
himself; it may become necessary for the master to recognise his 
emancipation, by a treaty of peace ; can it, for an instant, be pretended 
that congress, in such a contingency, would have no authority to 
interfere with the institution of slfvery, in any way, in the states ? 
Whj', it would be equivalent to saying, that congress have no consti- 
tutional authority to make peace. 

I suppose a more portentous case, certainly within the bounds of 
possibility. — I would to God I could say not within the bounds of 
probability. You have been, if you are not nov/, at the very point of 
a war with Mexico — a war, I am sorry to say, so far as public rumor 
is credited, stimulated by provocations on our part from the very com- 
mencement of this Administration down to the recent authority given 
to General Gaines to invade the Mexican territory. It is said, that 
one of the earliest acts of this Administration, was a proposal made at 
a time when there was already much ill-humor in Mexico against the 



JOHN Q,. ADAMS. 

United States, that she should cede to the United States a very large 
portion of her territoiy — large enough to constitute nine states equal 
in extent to Kentucky. It must be confessed, that, a device better 
calculated to produce jealousy, suspicion, ill-will, and hatred, could 
not have been contrived. It is further affirmed, that this overture, 
offensive in itself, was made precisely at the time when a swarm of 
colonists from these United States were covering the Mexican border 
with land-jobbing, and with slaves, introduced in defiance of the 
Mexican laws, by which slavery had been abolished throughout that 
republic. The war now raging in Texas is a Mexican civil war, and 
a war for the re-establishment of slavery where it was abolished. It 
is not a servile war, but a war between slavery and emancipation, and 
every possible effort has been made to drive us into the war, on the 
side of slavery. 

And again I ask, what will be your cause in such a war ? Aggres- 
sion, conquest, and the re-establishment of slavery, wdiere it has been 
abolished. In that war, sir, the banners of freedom will be the banners 
of Mexico ; and your banners, I blush to speak the word, will be the 
banners of slavery. 

And how complicated ? Your Seminole war is already spreading 
to the Creeks, and. in their march of desolation, they sweep along with 
them your negro slaves, and put arms into their hands to make common 
cause with them against you, and how far will it spread, sir, should a 
Mexican invader, with the torch of liberty in his hand, and the standard 
of freedom floating over his head, proclaiming emancipation to the slave, 
and revenge to the native Indian, as he goes, invade your soil? What 
will be the condition of your states of Louisiana, of Mississippi, of 
Alabama, of Arkansas, of Missouri, and of Georgia? Where will be 
your negroes ? Where will be that combined and concentrated mass 
of Indian tribes, whom, by an inconsiderate policy, you have expelled 
from their widely distant habitations, to embody them within a small 
compass on the very borders of Mexico, as if on purpose to give that 
countr)'^ a nation of natural allies in their hostilities against you ? Sir, 
you have a Mexican, an Indian, and a negro war upon your hands, 
and you are plunging yourself into it blindfold ; you are talking about 
acknowledging the independenceof the republic of Texas, and you are 
thirsting to annex Texas, ay, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas, and Santa 
Fe, from the source to the mouth of the Rio Bravo, to your already 
over-distented dominions. Five hundred thousand square miles of the 
territory of Mexico would not even now quench your burning thirst for 
aggrandizement. 

Great Britain may have no serious objection to the independence of 
Texas, and may be willing enough to take her under her protection, as 
a barrier both against Mexico and against you. But, as aggrandize- 
ment to you she Aviil not readily suffer it ; and, above all, she will not 
suffer you to acquire it by conquest and the re-establishment of slavery. 
Urged on by the irresistible, overwhelming torrent of public opinion. 
Great Britain has recently, at a cost of one hundred millions of dollars, 
which her people have joyfully paid, abolished slavery througliout all 
her colonies in the West Indies. After setting such an example, she will 



JOHN Q,' ADAMS. 



not^-it is impossible that she should— stand by and witness a war for the 
re-c«lablishment of slavery; where it had beenfor years abolished, and 
situated thus in the immediate neighborhood of her islands, bhe will 
tell vou that if you must have Texas as a member of your confederacy, 
it niist be without the trammels of slavery, and if you wiU wage a 
war to handcuff and fetter your fellow-man, she will wage the war 
a-ainst you to break his chains. Sir, what a hgure, m the eyes of 
ntankind, would you make, in deadly conflict with Great Britain : she 
ric^htincr the battles of emancipation, and you the battles ot slavery ; 
.he the benefactress, and you the oppressor of human kind ! In such 
a war, the enthusiasm of emancipation, too, wx)uld unite vast numbers 
of her people in aid of the national rivalry, and all her natural jealousy 
acrainst our a-grandizement. No war was ever so popular m England, 
as that war would be against slavery, the slave-trade, and the Anglo- 
Saxon descendant from her own loins. 

As to the annexion of Texas to your confederation for what do you 
want it -1 Are you not large and unwieldy enough already ? Do not 
two millions of square miles cover enough for the insatiate rapacity ot 
your land-jobbers ? I hope there are none of them withm the sound 
of my voice. Have you not Indians enough to expel from the land ot 
then fathers' sepulchres, and to exterminate? What m a prudential 
and military point of view, would be the addition oi Texas to your 
domain? It would be weakness and not power. Is your soutnem 
and southwestern frontier not sufficiently extensive ? not sufhciently 
feeble ? not sufficiently defenceless ? Why are you adding regiment 
after recriment of dragoons to your standing army? Why are you 
stru^dinc^, by direction and by indirection, to raise per saltum that 
armrfrom less than six to more than twenty thousand men? 

A war for the restoration of slavery, where it has been abolished, it 
successful in Texas, must extend overall Mexico; and tne example 
will threaten Great Britain with imminent dan-er of a war ot colors 
in her own islands. She will take possession of C uba and Porto xxico, 
by cession from Spain, or by the batteries from her wooden walls ; 
and if you ask her by what authority she has done it, she will ask you, 
in return, by what authority you have extended your seacoast from 
the Sabine to the Kio Bravo. She will ask you a question more per- 
plexino- namely-by what authority you, with freedom, independence, 
and democracy upon your lips, are waging a war of extermination to 
foro-e new manacles and fetters, instead of those which are falhn| 
from the hands and feet of man. She will carry emancipation and 
abolition with her in every fold of her flag ; while your stars, as they 
increase in numbers, will be overcast with the mud^y vapors ot op- 
pression, and the only portion of your banners visible to the eye, will 
be the blood-stained stripes of the task-master ? , ^ , ^ 

Little reason have the inhabitants of Georgia and Alabama to com- 
plain that the government of the United States has been remiss or 
neglectful in protecting them from Indian hostihties; the fact i3 
directly the reverse. The people of Alabama and Georgia are now 
6ufrerin<y the recoil of their own unlawful weapons. Georgia sir, 
Geor^iat by tramphng upon th« faith of our national treaties with the 



JOHN Q. ADAMS. 

Indian tribes, and by subjecting them to her state laws, first set the 
example of that poUcy which is now in the process of consummation 
by this Indian war, In setting this example, she bade defiance to the 
authority of the government of the nation ; she nullified your laws ; 
she set at naught your executive guardians of the common constitu- 
tion of the land. To what extent she carried this policy, the dungeons 
of her prisons and the records of the Supreme Judicial Court of the 
United States can tell. To those prisons she committed inoffensive, 
innocent, pious ministers of the gospel of truth, for carrying the light, 
the comforts, and the consolations of that gospel to the hearts and 
minds of these unhappy Indians. A solemn decision of the Supreme 
Court of the United States pronounced that act a violation of your 
treaties and your laws. Georgia defied that decision ; your executive 
government never carried it into execution ; the imprisoned mission- 
aries of the gospel were compelled to purchase their ransom from per- 
petual captivity, by sacrificing their rights as fi-eemen to the meekness 
of their principles as Christians ; and you have sanctioned all these 
outrages upon justice, law, and humanity, by succumbing to the 

{)0wer and the policy of Georgia, by accommodating your legislation to 
ler arbitrary will ; by tearing to tatters your olid treaties with the 
Indians, and by constraining them, under pei.ne Jorle et dure, to the 
mockery of signing other treaties wkh you, which, at the first moment 
when it shall suit your purpose, you will again tear to tatters and 
scatter to the four winds of heaven, till the Indian race shall be extinct 
upon this continent, and it shall become a problem, beyond the solution 
of antiquaries and historical societies, lohat the red man of the forest 
was. 



[The Arms on the coin of the Mexican Republic, are Freedom's Eagle 
destroying the Serpent — Tyranny ; and its reverse bears the Cap of Libert r, 
diffusing its radiance universally.1 




LONDON PATRIOT WILLIAM B. REED. 

THE LONDON PATRIOT. 

The British public ought to be made aware of what is going on at 
present hiTexa^s ; of the^true cause and ti.e true nature ot he contest 
between the Mexican authorities and the American slave-jobbers 

Texas h^^^^^^^^^ the Naboth's vineyard of brother Jonathan 

rri/e "C°yt>?si:\ttXbut, by annexing it to theFe^-al Un.on 
to stren..then in congress tlie preponderating niHuence of die sontne.n 

''ThtaJ^eiouTproject is the real origin and cause of tlje pretended 
cont. for Teria mdopcndenc^a war, on the part of the Umted 
tSilf, of unprovoked aggression for the v.lest of all purposes.- 
My6,lSiO. 

WILLIAM B. REED. 

ESr::tr:r^^::s^^lr '^^s^rvfri^s 

beeone of any rfal or hrraginary balance between the South and 
tX^.h-tlJs,aveho,di„ga„^no„-s^^^^^^^^^^^ 

i:;;tiS^?s!rstirir,^'^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

he security of the North, and of *«■"'«-'%''/, '^r'",'^''^.-^,^, 
are questions worth considenng-tho more so, as the v-^^' ,^« "'i";," 

neeTl a pt To ad™t'¥exfs'inr'the Un.on, with a view to an 
InZ Pennsylvania House of Representalives, June 11th, 1836. 



TEXAS. 



Tne followmg document, considering tlie avouched character of 
the gentlemen whose names are signed to it, and attest its truth, is 
fintitled to a place in our columns : — JWtional Intelligencer. 

TO THE PUBLIC. 
VVe will not dwell upon tlie false assurances made to us bv men 
professing to be the accredited agents of Texas in this country. ' At a 
tjme when the cause of Texas was dark and gloomy, when Santa 
Anna seemed designed to carry desolation over the whole country, 
those men were prodigal of promises, and professin.g to be autliorized 
to speak in the name of the Texian Government, made assurances of 
ultimate remuneration, which they knew at the time to be false, and 
which time proved to be so. 

We now stale that our personal observation and undoubted infor- 
mation enabled us fully to perceive, 1st. That the present population 
of Texas seemed wholly incapable of a just idea of civil and political 
hberty, and that, so far as the extension of liberal principles is con- 
cerned, It IS of but little moment whether Mexico or Texas succeed in 
the stru2;gle. 

2d. That the mass of the people, from the highest functionary of 
their pretended government to the humblest citizen (with but {i^w ex- 
ceptions,) are animated alone by a desire of plunder, and appear 
totally indiff:^rent whom they plunder, friends or foes. 

3d. That even now there is really no organized government in the 
country, no laws administered, no judiciary, a perpetual struo-gle o-oino- 
on between the civil and military departments, and neither haviirt^ the 
confidence of the people, or being worthy of it. ° 

These facts and others sufficiently demonstrate to us that t!ie cabinet 
was deficient in all the requisites of a good government, and that no 
one in his senses would trust himself, his reputation, or his fortunes 
to their charge or control. Charged with treason, bribery, and vsurl 
pations, weak in their councils, and still weaker in power to enforce 
t'leir orders, we perceived at once that we must look for safety and 
prop(!r inducements elsewhere. Wo tlien turned our eyes to the army 
and a scene still more disheartening presented itself; undisciplined' 
and Without an effort to become so; not a roll called, nor a drill • no 
regular encampment ; no authority nor obedience ; with phmderintr 
parties for self-emolument, robbing private individuals of their prooerty! 
V/e could see nothing to induce us to embark our fortunes and destinies 
with them. ^ W^ith these views and facts, we could but sicken and 
wonder at the vile deceptions which had been practised noon us • yet 
we are told that this people had risen up in their mioht to vindicate the 
cause of civil and rehgious liberty. It is a mockerv of the very nam^ 
of liberty. They are stimulated by that motive which such men can 
only appreciate— //te hope of plunder. They are careless of flie form 
ot government under which they live, if that government will tolerate 
icentiousness and disorder. Such is a brief, but we sincerely be- 
lieve, a faithful picture of a country to which we were invited "v^'ith 
80 much assiduity, and such the manner in which we were received 
and ti-eated. 



NEW-YORK SUN. 

We might multiply facts in support of eacli proposition here laid 
down, to show the miserable condition of things in Texas, and tlie 
utter impossibility tliat a man of honor could embark in such a cause 
with such men. Should it be rendered necessary, we may yet do so ; 
but for the present we will pause with this remark, that if there be any, 
now, in Kentucky, whose hearts are animated with the desire of an 
honorable fame, or to secure a competent settlement for themselves or 
families, they must look to some other theatre than the plains of Texas. 
We would say to them, Listen not to the deceitful and hypocritical 
allurements of land speculators, who xoish you to fight for their 
benefit, and ivho are as liberal of promises as they are faithless in perform- 
ance. We are aware of the responsibility which we incur by this 
course. We are aware that we subject ourselves to the misrepresen- 
tations of hired agents and unprincipled landmongers ; but we are 
willing to meet itall, rel3ang upon the integrity of our motives and the 
correctness of our course. 

EDWARD J. WILSON, 
G. L. POSTLETHWAITE, 
Lexington, Sept. 10, 1830. 

NEW- YORK SUN. 

Extract from General Houston's letter to General Dunlap of Nash- 
ville — 

'^ For a portion of this f wee we mxist look to the United States. It 
cannot reach us too soon. There is but one feeling in Texas, in my 
opinion, and that is to establish the independence of Texas, and to be 
attached to the United States.^' 

Here, then, is an open avowal by the commander-in-chief of the 
Texian army, that American troops will be required to seize and sever 
this province of the Mexican republic, for the purpose of uniting it to 
ours ; and this avowal is made by a distinguished American citizen, 
in the very face of that glorious constitution of his country, wliich wisely 
gives no power to its citizens for acquiring foreign territory by conquest, 
their own territory being more than amply sufficient to gratify any safe 
ambition ; and in the face, too, of the following solemn and sacred 
contract of his country with the sister repubUc which he would dis- 
member : 

"There shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal peace, and a true 
and sincere friendship between the United States of America, and the 
United Mexican States, in all the extent of their possessions and terri- 
tories, between their people and citizens respectively, without distinction 
of persons or places." 

In the earlier days of our republic, when a hig\i-minded and honor- 
able fidelity to its constitution was an object proudly paramount to 
every mercenary consideration that might contravene it, an avowed 
design of this kind against the possessions of a nation with whom the 
United States were at peace, would have subjected its author, if a 
citizen, to Uie charge of high treason, and to its consequences. When 
Aaron Burr and his associates were supposed to meditate the conauest 



NEUTRALITY. 

of Mexico, and attempted to raise troops in the southern states to 
achieve it, they were arrested for treason, and Burr, their chief, was 
tried for his Ufe. But now, behold ! the conquest of a part of the same 
country is an object openly proclaimed, not in the letters of General 
Houston alone, but by many of our wealthiest citizens at public ban- 
quets, and by the hireling presses in the chief cities of our Union. The 
annexation of a foreign territory to our own by foreign conquest, being 
thus unblushingly avowed, and'our citizens, who are integral portions of 
our national sovereignty, being openly invited and incited to join the 
crusade with weapons of war, it becomes an interesting moral inquiry 
— what is there in the public mind to excuse or even to palliate so 
flagrant a prostitution of national faith and honor in these days, any 
more than in the days that are past ? The answer is ready at hand, 
and is irrefutable. An extensive and well organized gang of swindlers 
in Texas lands, have raised the cry, and the standard of "Liberty!" 
and to the thrilling charm of this glorious word, which stirs the blood 
of a free people, as the blast of the bugle arouses every nerve of the 
warhorse, have the generous feelings of our citizens responded in ardent 
delusion. But, as the Commercial Advertiser truly declares, "Never 
was the Goddess of American liberty invoked more unrighteously ;" 
and we cannot but believe that the natural sagacity, good sense, and 
proud regard for their national honor, for which our citizens are distin- 
guished in the eyes of all nations, will speedily rescue them from the 
otherwise degrading error in which that vile crew of mercenary hypo- 
critical swindlers would involve them. The artful deceivers, however, 
have not rehed upon the generosity and noble sympathy only of our 
fellow citizens, for they insidiously presented a bribe to excite their 
cupidity also. 

NEUTRALITY ! 

Next the Texian revolution. Was it not laughable to see these 
Texians, all of them, generally speaking, slaveholders ; adhering to 
the constitution of 1824, one article of which emancipates all the slaves 
in Mexico ! Was it not laughable to see them proclaiming a consti- 
tvition, of which, eleven years ago, the Americans in Texas had pro- 
hibited the proclamation by the Mexican authorities there, under the 
heaviest threats ! — What man of common sense can believe in this 
humbug ? None, gentlemen ; none but those that have risked their 
thousands in this country ; and they, whoever they may be, feign to 
believe it. The statements made throughout the United States, of 
tvranny and oppression on the part of Mexico toward the American 
citizens in Texas, are slanderous falsehoods, fabricated to create and 
nurture the worst prejudices and jealousies. The Americans in Texas 
have had their own way in every case, and on every occasion ; and 
whenever there happened a legislative act that was, from any cause, 
repugnant to the feelings of the people of Texas, it was silenced at 
once. In short, if there has existed a good cause of complaint in Texas, 
it was that men were too much their own masters, and too little under 
the restraint of any law. Any allegation to the effect that the Mexican 
gpvernment had deceived citizens of the United States in relation to 



GENERAL WILKINSON. 

promises of lands first made to thorn, is false, and I defy any one to 
show a foifeitiiie of title to lauds, when the conditions of the grunt had 
beni fidfdled by Ike settler. 

Now, sir, as to the war: here I will ask Americans, (except the 
speculators,) how many military incursions, insnrrections, and rebel- 
lions, avowedly for the purpose of snatching Texas from its proper 
owners, will, in their mind, justify Mexico in driving from its territories, 
the pirates that would thus possess themselves of the country ? Be it 
rememberetl, that t!)cse revolutions have never been attempted by the 
resident citizens of Texas, but in every case by men organized in the 
United States for the purpose and coming from afar : wl.y, a single 
provocation of tiiis nature were ample justification ; but Texas has, 
from the time of the adjustment of the boundary by V/ilkinson and 
Ferrara, experienced seven or eight. 

Tlie Americans (1 mean the regulars) and Texians, appear to 
understand each other perfectly. The neutrality is preserved on the 
part of General Gaines, by allowing all volunteers, and other organized 
corps destined for Texas, to pass in hundreds and thousands undis- 
turbed, but keeps in check any attempt on the part of the native 
Mexicans and Indians, to act against the Texians. The Texians are 
allowed to wage war against a friendly power, in a district of country 
claimed by the United States. The prisoners of war taken by the 
Texians are ignorant to which party they are subject. The American 
general claims the country only from Mexico, but has no objections to 
the carrying on of war against Mexico in the district he claims ! Pray, 
sir, let Americans speak honestly, and let them say whether any gov- 
ernment has, within the last century, placed itself in so ridiculous a 
light? — not -only ridixjulous, but contemptible. Will not any honest 
man confess at once that General Gaines, or any authority clothing 
iiim with tlie discretion so indiscreetly used, would never have dreamed 
of the hke against a government able and ready to defend itself, and 
punish such arrogance? What is Europe to say to this ? Will not 
Mexico complain ? And will there be no sympathy for her? — Letter 
to the Editors of tlie J^\w-York Commercial Advertiser^ dated J^acog- 
doges, Texas, September 14, 1S36. 

[Alas, for our national degeneracy and infamy ; — In 1811, the sus- 
picion of being accessory to this horrible outrage against the laws of 
nature, and of nations, led a to distinct charge in the ti'ial for treason of] 

GENERAL WILKINSON. 

Charge V. — That he, the said James Wilkinson, while commanding 
the army of the United States, by virtue of his said commission, and 
being bound by the duties of his office to do all that in him lay, to 
discover and to frustrate all such enormous violations of the law as 
tended to endanger the peace and tranquillity of the United States, did, 
ncverthfless, unlawfully combine and conspire to set on foot a military 
expedition against the territories of a nat on, then at peace with the 
United States. 

Specification, He, the said James W^ilkinson, in the years 1805 and 



THE AFRICAN SLAVE-TRADE AND TEXAS. 

1806, combining and conspiring with Aaron Burr and his associates, 
to set on foot a military expedition against the Spanish provinces and 
territories in America. — WUkinson''s JMemoirs, Vol. II. 

THE AFRICAN SLAVE-TRADE AND TEXAS. 

By a treaty between Great Britain and Spain, for the suppression 
of the slave-trade, conchided in 1817, the British government wv.a 
authorized to appoint commissioners to reside in Cuba, who, with 
Spanish comuiissioners, were to form a court for the adjudication of 
such ships as might be seized with slaves actually on board. 

The British commissioners from time to time make reports to their 
government, which are laid belbre Parliament, and published by tl.eir 
direction. 

The following are extracts from a report, dated 1st January, 1836. 

"Never since the establishment of this mixed commission, has the 
slave-trade of the Havana reached such a disgraceful pitch as during 
the year 1835. By the list we have the honor to enclose, it will be 
seen that fifty slave vessels have safely arrived in this port during the 
year just expired. In 1833, there were twenty-seven arrivals, and in 
1834, thirty-three; but 1835 presents a number, by means of wluch 
there must have been landed upwards of fifteen thousand negroes. 

" In the spring of last year an American agent from Texas pur- 
chased in the Havana two hundred and fifty newly imported Africans, 
at two hundred and seventy dollars a head, and carried them away 
with him to that district of ^Mexico — having first procured from the 
American Consul here certificates of their freedom. This, perhaps, 
would have been scarcely woith mentioning to your lordship, had we 
not learned, that within the last six weeks, considerable sums of 
money have been deposited by the American citizens in certain mer- 
cantile houses here, for the purpose of making additional purchases of 
bozal negroes for Texas. According to the laws of Mexico, wc 
believe such Africans are free, vvhtther they have certificates of freedom 
or not; but we doubt much whether this freedom will be more Ih.an 
nominal under their American masters, or whether the whole system 
may not be founded on some plan of smuggling them across the frontier 
of tne slave states of the Union. Howcvc r this may be, a great impulse 
is thus given to this illicit traffic of the Havana ; and it is not easy for 
us to point out to government wliat remonstrances ought to be made 
on the subject since the American settlers in Texas are almost as 
independent of American authority as they are of Mexico. These 
lawless people will doubtless, moreover assert, that they buy negroes 
in the Havana with a view to their ultimate emancipation. We 
thought the fi-rst experiment to be of httle consequence — but now that 
we perceive fresh commissions arriving in the Havana for the purchase 
of Africans, we cannot refrain from calling your lordship's attention to 
the fact, as being another cause of the increase of the slave-trade in 
tJie Havana." 

The foregoing throws liglit on the following recent article in the 
Albany Argus : — 



2^ 



TEXAS AND SLAVERY. 

«' The fate of Henry Bartow, late of the Commercial Bank of thia 
ritv, has been at Jen^^th definitely ascertained. The agent sent out 
b/t'lu! bank has returned, and states that Bartow died at Marianne, 
near Columbia, in Texas, on the 30th of June last, of the fever of the 
countrv, after an illness of about four weeks. He had purchased a 
farm on the Brassos, and, in company with a native of the country, 
had commenced an extensive plantation, and se7it $10,000 fo Cuba 
for the purchase of slaves. 

We grant that Texas would present us an immense territory of 
rich soil, and would be another brilliant star in our standard. On the 
other hand she would give us her quarrel with Mexico — add to our 
unwieklly slave incumbrance — and give the balance of power to the 
southern and southwestern states. We much question whether the 
United States should ever add more states to the confederacy. 
Already we are rent by the fiercest internal dissension. The North 
and South, the East and West, have their local feelings— which are 
becoming more strong and definite every day. As it is, we are in 
constant'and hourly clanger of splitting, The time must come ulti- 
mately, and when it does it will be with terrible power. Why then 
should we burthen ourselves with still another local interest that must 
tend rapidly to hasten this result ? 

But another strong reason against such an annexation is the fact 
that it is a slaveholding country. The northern people differ relative 
to the expef/icHcy of interfering with this subject; but they ai^ admit 
that it is an evil, dangerous to our safety as a nation. It is univer- 
sally acknowledged that the slave population may ultimately become 
unmanageable by rapid increase ; and when it does we may expect 
to see re-enacted the fearful, blood-curdling scenes of the West Indies. 
It is obvious, therefore, it would be highly impolitic to add such a 
slave market as Texas to the Union. — Detroit Spectator. 

Were any furtlier proof wanting to convince those at all conversant 
with the subject, that Texas will speedily become a great slave mart, 
the following article from tlie Liberia Herald, will furnish it. We have 
proved, time and again, by the most indubitable testimony, (and the 
fact should be kept constantly before the people,) that the great cause 
which led to the rupture between tlie inhabitants of Texas and the 
mother country, was a determination on their part to traffic in slaves, 
whicii is strictly forbidden by the constitution of Mexico. How 
northern men, therefore, who profess to be opposed to slavery, can 
with any degree of consistency lend their mfluence in behalf of Texas, 
i*3 more than can be accounted for. The fact is, they are not opposed 
to slavery; and we unhesitatingly declare, that eveiy one who has 
taken the pains to inform himself of the first cause ! of tlie Texian in- 
surrection, is at heart a slaveholder, if he is in any manner aiding the 
cAuse of the insurgents. By "defending Texas," he is "upholding" 
and virtually justifying the enslavement of his brotlier, and his cry of 
liberty, is the very quintessence of hypocrisy. 

Shall Texas be admitted into tlie Union? That is the questioD 



DANIEL WEBSTER. 

now. Her independence has already been recognized by our gotvom- 
ment; but it is yet to be decided whetlier this nation is to be cursed 
with an extension of its slave territory. What say you, freemen of 
the North ? Shall Texas be admitted into the Union ? Will you 
wilhno-ly hug a viper to your own bosoms ? There is but one alter- 
native°left you— inundate congress, at its next session, with remon- 
strances against the admission of Texas, or you sign at once the 
death warrant of American freedom. 

Efforts are already being made for the admission of Florida as a 
slaveholding state. Should these efforts prove successful — but may 
heaven forbid it!— should Texas also be admitted, the slaveholding 
states would outnumber the free states— there being already thirteen 
slave to thirteen free states. And Texas alone is sufBciently large 
for, and probably will ultimately be divided into, some sLx or eight 
states. The liberty of the free states would exist only in name, were 
they to be outnumbered by the slave slates. In such an event, a 
darker cloud would hang over the United States than ever did before : 
and wo to that "fanatic" who might then talk of the abolition of 
slavery, even in the District of Columbia ! We might then expect to 
see all the horrors of slavery — horrors to which those of the French 
revolution bear but a feeble comparison — visited upon the heads of all 
who might dare to raise their voice in behalf of their down-trodden 
colored brethren ! 

Shall Texas be admitted into the Union ? We again ask. Free- 
men, will you willingly submit to the manacles of slavery ? If you 
would not, arouse from your slumbers, and thunder in the ears of the 
tyrants who are already forging chains for you and your children, 
your determination still to be free. — From the Amencan Citizen. 

Slave Trade.— We have learned that great calculations are already 
making by slavers on the coast, on the increased demand and ad- 
vanced" price of slaves which it is confidently anticipated will take 
place on the erection of Texas into an independent government. It 
has been rumored that offers have been made by a commercial house 
in New Orleans, to a slaver on the coast, for a certain number of 
slaves, to be delivered in a specified period ; and the only circumstance 
which prevented the consummation of the bargain was, that the slaver 
refused to be responsible for the slaves after they should be put on 
board. These facts, we think are important to be known, as the 
christian and philanthropic world may learn from them what they are 
upholding when they are defending Texas. — Liberia Herald. 

DANIEL WEBSTER. 

But when we come to speak of admitting new states, the subject 
assun les an entirely different aspect. Our rights and our duties are 
then both different. 

The free states, and all the states, are then at liberty to accept, or 
to reject. When it is proposed to bring new members into this politi- 
oel partnership, the old members have a right to say on what terms 



WILLIAM JAY. 

Buch new members are to come in, and what tlvy are to bring along 
witlj ifii-in. In my opinion, the peojile of the United States will not 
consent to bring a rvew, vastly extensile, a slaveholding country, 
large enough for half a dozen or a dozen states, into the Union. 
In my opinion they ought not to consent to it. Indeed 1 am altogether 
at a loss to conceive, what possible benefits any part of this country 
can expect to derive from such annexation. All benefit, to any part 
is at least doubtful and uncertain ; the objections obvious, plain, and 
strong. On the general question of slavery, a great portion of the 
community is already strongly excited. The subject has not only at- 
tracted attention as a question of politics, but it has struck a far deeper 
toned cliord. It has arrested the religious feelings of the country ; it has 
taken strong hold on the consciences of men. He is a rash man, 
indeed, little conversant with human nature, and especially has he a 
very erroneous estimate of the character of the people of this country, 
who supposes that a feeling of this kind is to be trifled with, or despised. 
It will assuredly cause itself to be respected. It may be reasoned with, it 
may be made willing, I believe it is entirely willing to fulfil all existing 
engagements, and all existing duties, to uphold and defend the con- 
stiUition, as it is established, with whatever regrets about some provi- 
sions, which it does actually contain. But to coerce it into silence, 
— to endeavor to restrain its free expression, to seek to compress and 
confine it, warm as it is and more heated as such endeavors would 
inevitably render it, — should all tliis be attempted, I know nothing 
even in the constitution, or in the Union itself, which would not 
be endangered by the explosion which might follow. 

I see, tlierefore, no political necessity for the annexation of Texas to 
the Union ; no advantages to be derived from it ; and objections to it, 
of a strons, and in my judgment, decisive character. — Address in J^iblo^s 
Garden, 1837. 

WILLIAM JAY. 

Fellow citizens, a crisis has arrived in which we must maintain our 
right", or surrender them for ever. I speak not to abolitionists alone, 
but to all who value the liberty of our fathers achieved. Do you ask 
what we have to do with slavery? — Let our muzzled presses answer — 
I'-t the mobs excited against us by merchants and politicians answer — 
li t the iiag laws threatened by our governors and legislatures answer, 
let tlie conduct of the National Government answer. In 1826, Mexico 
and Columbia boinu at war with Spain, proposed carrying their armies 
into Cuba, a Spanish colony. These republics had abolished slavery 
within their own limits, and it was feared that if they conquered Cuba 
they would give libeutt to the thousands there enchained. And 
what did our liberty-loving government do? Why they sent on 
special messm^ers to Panama to threaten our sister republics with 
WAR if they dared to invade Cuba. Nor was this all ; a minister was 
Bent to Spain, and ordered to urge upon the Spanish monarch the 
policy of making peace with his revolted colonies, lest if the war con- 
tinued, nearly a million of human beings should recover and enjoy the 



THE BRiTISH PARLIAMENT TEXAS. 

ri^=-hfs of man What have ',ve to do with slavery ? Is it nothing that 
nineteen Senators were found to vote for a bill establishni- in every 
post town a censorship of the press, and that a citizen of Isew York 
oave a castin<^ vote in tavor of the abomination, and has received as 
his reward tlfc office of President of the United States ? Is it nothing 
that our own representatives have spurned our petitions at the man- 
date of slaveholders ? What have we to do with slavery ? Look at 
the loathsome community, just sprung into being on our southern 
bo'-der, tlie pro-eny of treason and robbery, a vile repuonc organized 
for the express purpose of re-estabiishing slavery on a sod trom which 
it had been lately expelled ; and providing for its perpetual continu- 
ance by constitutional provisions, and daring to insult us, with the 
oif-ir of a monopoly of its trade in human flesh.-Yet northern specu- 
lators and politicians in coniunction with slaveholders, are now plottmg 
to comprl us to receive this den of scorpions into our bosom, to admit 
Tevas into our confederacy, with a territory capable oi furnismng eight 
or nine more slave states, and by thus giving to the enemies ol human 
riohts an overwhelmning majority m congress, to subject this northern 
co'untrv to the dominion of the South ; and perhaps before long, to 
cause the crack of the whip and the clank of chains to re-echo on our 
hills, and our fields to be polluted with the blood and tears of slaves. 
To effect a speedy union with Texas, endeavors are now makm- to 
involve us in a war with Mexico, and when the unholy alliance shall 
have been consummated, then farewell to repubhcan freedonri^ to 
christian morals, to happiness at home, or to respect abroad Ihis 
fair land, once the glory of all lands, will become a bye word, a re- 
proach, and a hissing to all people, and we and our chddren will be 
taught by bitter experience, what the North had to do with slavery.— 
Mdress, July 4, 1837. 

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. 

Texas. 

Mr Barlow Hoy rose to call the attention of tlie House to the pre- 
sent state of affairs in the Texas.-The importance of that territory 
was well known to all who were acquainted with its geographical 
nosition. Mr. Huskisson, aware that the United States would be 
desirous to annex the Texas to their territory, laid it down as a maxim, 
that Great Britain should on no account allow America to extend her 
boundary in the direction of Mexico.— It was notorious that an enor- 
mous importation of slaves took place into the Texas, and if this 
system were allowed to continue, all the sums which we had expended 
ill endeavoring to suppress the trafRc in slaves would have- been 
thrown away." If we did not co-operate with Mexico in endeavouring 
to preserve the Texas for Mexico, and thus to prevent the importation 
of slaves into the Mexican territory, we had better at once withdraw 
our fleet from the coast of Africa, and abandon Sierra Leone. 1 he 
United States, appeared to be acting a faithless part; they kept the 
boundary question open both with respect to Mexico and Great 
Britain. If they had not some sinister motive for keeping the question 



THE LEGION OF LIBERIA. 

open, it ought to have been settled long since, as it would have been, 
it" the United States had accepted the mediation of the King of Holland. 
It was not the standard of liberty and independence which was 
raised in the Texas, but the pirate's flag, under cover of which the 
slave-trade was carried on. We had interfered in the aftairs of 
Holland and Belgium, Portugal and Spain; why, tlien, should we 
not remonstrate in a hiendly manner with the United States upon the 
conduct wliich they were pursuing with regard to the Texas ? 

Mr. O'CoNxNel tlwught that humanity was indebted to the Hon. 
Member tor bringing this question before the House. It was only by 
the expression of public opinion that we could hope to check the pro- 
gress of one of the most horrible evils the human mind could contem- 
plate — viz. the formationof eight or nine additional slaveholding states. 
The revolt of Texas was founded on nothing else but the abolition of 
slavery by the Mexican government. In 1824, the Mexican govern- 
ment had" pronounced that no person after that period should be born 
a slave. In 1829 they went further, and abolished slavery, and 
immediately followed the revolt of the landholders, who had settled 
themselves in Texas. Who could contemplate without horror the 
calculation, as in the case of stocking a farm, what was the necessary 
complement of men and women, and when they would be ready and 
ripe for the market? It was a blot which no other country but 
America had ever yet suffered to stain its history — no nation on the 
face of the earth had ever been degraded by such crimes, except the 
high-spirited North American Republic. Talk of the progress of 
democratic principle! No man admired it more than he did. What 
became of it when its principal advocates could not be persuaded to 
abstain from such species of traffic as this ? Texas had speculated on it. 

Colonel Thompson asked whether it was not the fact that all the 
inhabitants of this jjrovince were A mericans, and not Mexicans ? It 
had been said in former times, ubi Romane vincis, ibi habitas ; and 
with equal truth it might now be said, that where an American con- 
quered there he carried slavery as a necessary of life. — March dth, 1837. 



FOWELL BUXTON. 

If the British Government did not interfere to prevent the Texian 
ten'itoiy from falling into the hands of the American slaveholders, 
in all probability a greater traffic in slaves would be carried on du- 
ring the next 50 years, than had ever before existed. — The war at 
present being waged in Texas, differed from any war which had ev- 
er been heard of. 

It was not a war for the extension of territory — it was not a war 
of aggression — it was not one undertaken for the advancement of 
national glory ; it was a war which had for its sole object the ob- 
taining of a market for slaves. — (Hear, hear.) He would not say- 
that the American Government connived at the proceedings which 
had taken place ; but it was notorious that the Texians had been 
supplied with munitions of war of all sorts by the slaveholders of 
the United States — (hear, hear.) 



MEXICO. 




ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. 

I do not conceive how you can preserve the title of citizen of a 
nation at peace, harmony and friendship with Mexico, while, at the 
same time, you endeavor to do her all the harm in yom- power, and 
to cut off from her a part of its territory, by means you have em- 
ployed with such singular activity. This species of impudence with 
which you represent yourself as a citizen of the United States, ex- 
cites vivid recollections that your countrymen first commenced the 
war; introduced disorder into Texas and still maintain it, in scan- 
dalous violation of the treaties which should, in good faith, unite the 
two nations. But leaving this examination to the criticism of the 
civilized world, which is ignorant neither of the origin, nor the ten- 
dencies of the usurpation of Texas, I will quickly show you, that 
you are mistaken, and that too, greatly, in supposing Mexico defi- 
cient either in strength or the will to maintain her incontestibW 
rights. 

We have fully weighed the actual and the possilile value of th* 
territory of Texas, the advantage accruing to Mexico by retaining' 
it in possession, and still more by the precarious situation to which 
she would find herself reduced were she to permit a colossus to arisa 
within her own limits, always ready to advance, and covetous to ob- 
tain new acquisitions by the rite title of theft and usurpation : but 
even were the soil of Texas a mere desert of sand, unproductive save 
of thorns to wound the foot of the traveller, this plain, useless, sterile 
and unproductive, should be defended with energy and constancy, 
under the conviction that the possession of a right imposes upon a na- 
tion the necessity of never abandoning it, with shame and disgrace 
to her name. 

I promised in Texas, beneath the rifles of the tumultuary (tumul- 
tarious) soldiers, who surrounded me, that I would procure a hear- 
ing for their commissioners from my Government, and would exer- 
cise my influence to prevent, for the time being, a fatal struggle ; 
and this promise, whose object was to secure, without molestation, 
Jie retreat which the Mexican army had already commenced, and 
jvhich I learned with the greatest sorrow from General Wall, natu- 



THE LEGION OF LIBERTY. 

faTly remained without effect, from sad consideration as prisoner; b^. 
cause tlie apgressions of the Texians removed even the possibility of 
lightening tiic evils of war, and because tliey failed themselves, in 
their promitJcs-, they annulled the rePolutions of him whom they called 
tlieir cabinet, they caused me violently to disembark from the schooner 
Invincible ; and abandoned me to Uie excited passions of one hundred 
and tliirty recruits just arrived from New-Orleans. 

In a dijllrcnt point of view, the qucntion of Texas involves another 
of the greatest importance to the cause of humanity — that of slavery. 
Mexico, who has given the noble and illustrious example of renounc- 
ing to tlic increase of her wealth, and even to the cultivation of her 
fields, that she may not see them fattened with the sweat, the blood 
and the tears of the African race, will not retrocede in this course ; 
and her etlbrts to recover a usurped territory will be blessed by all 
those V. ho sincerely esteem the natural and impracticable rights of 
the human epecies. 

The civilized world will not learn without scandal, that the in. 
habitants of the United States, infringing their own laws, and vio- 
lating the most sacred international rights, support for a second time, 
a usurpation which they have commenced, and constantly supported, 
abusing and mocking the generosity with which the Mexicans be- 
stowed u])on their countrymen rich and coveted lands, and invited 
them to enjoy the benefit of their institutions. If Mexico should 
receive such hostility from those who call themselves her friends, sha 
will treat them as enemies in the field of battle, she v»^ill repel force 
with force, and she will appeal to the judgment of the Universe upon 
such an aggression, as unjust as it would be violent. 



ROBERT OWEN. 

I have seldom seen any public character except the late Mr. Jef- 
ferson, so apparently determined to examine any system to its first 
principles, as General Santa Anna. He wished to commence his 
examination with the first principles of the system, wdth the laws ol 
our nature that he might be sure whether the base was sound or not, 
upon which the superstructure was erected. I left him with the im- 
pression that he had good talents for command, and that he was 
truly desirous of contributing to the prosperity of the country. 

GEORGE M'DUFFIS. 

If any consideration could add to the intrinsic vreight of these 
high inducements to abstain from any species of interference with 
the domestic atlairs of a neighboring and friendly State, it would 
be the tremendous retribution to which we are so peculiarly exposed 
on our South Western frontier, from measures of retaliation. 

Should Mexico declare war against the United States, and aided 
by some great European power, hoist the standard of servile insur- 
rection in Louisiana and the neighboring States ; how deep would 
be our self-reproaches in reflecting that these atrocious proceedings 
received even a colorable apology from our example, or from the un- 
lawful conduct of our own citizens I 



ANTI-TEXAS. 

There is one question connected with this controversy, of a defin- 
ite character, upon which it may be proper that you should express 
an opinion. You are, doubtless, aware that the people of Texas 
by an almost unanimous vote, have expressed their desire to be ad- 
mitted into our Confederacy, and application will probably be made 
to Congress for that purpose. In my opinion, Congress ought not 
even to entertain such a proposition in the present state of the con- 
troversy. — Extract from the Message of Gov. M'Duffie. to the Leg- 
islature of South Carolina, 1836. 



THOMAS BRANAGAN. 

At the present crisis, no subject can be presented to the public eye 
more deserving of their serious attention than slavery ; our pros- 
perity, nay, our very existence as a nation depends upon the question 
before us, viz : Whether new slave-holding states, particularly Texas, 
shall be annexed to the American republic, till the planters of the 
South gain the sole sovereignty, as they ever have held the balance 
of power by a preponderating influence in congress, or not ? For 
instance, every cargo of slaves transported by the citizens of the 
South, and every additional slave state, not only enhances their 
riches, but increases their political influence ; for, according to the 
constitution, Jive slaves in the South are equal to two citizens in the 
North, with respect to the rights of suffrage. 

Slavery depends on the consumption of the produce of its labor for 
support. Refuse this produce, and slavery must cease. Say not 
that individual influence is small. Every aggregate must be com- 
posed of a collection of individuals. Though individual influence ba 
small, the influence of collected numbers is irresistible. 

The number of representatives of slaves, alias southern property, 
has already increased to twenty-five, and they are urging the annexa- 
tion of new slave states. These considerations alone should cause 
our representatives to be on the alert, even laying aside the princi- 
pies of natural justice, moral rectitude, and the super-excellent pre- 
cepts of revelation, which inculcate, " that we should do to all men 
whatever we would that they should do unto us, and that we should 
love our neighbors (or all mankind) as ourselves." 

We certainly have increased in luxury, avarice, and systematical 
cruelty, since the epoch of our independence, more than any other 
nation ever did in the same number of years ; for what Rome was in 
her decline, America is in her infancy. We look with a supercilious 
glance upon personal virtue and national honor, while we are ena- 
moured with riches. We suffer ambition to monopolize the rewards 
that should be conferred on virtue ; nay, we supinely behold our fel- 
low citizens, not only enslave and murder thousands of their inno- 
cent, unoffending fellow creatures periodically, but we permit them, 
by this unjust and unwarrantable medium, to gain not only riches to 
fill their coffers, but also political influence in our national councils, 
th? permanent right of suffrage and sovereignty. For it is a lamen 
table fact, that for every tv/o slaves the dealers in human flesh snmg 
Ifle from Africa or hrf>pd ib^v gain the same influence at elections, 



THOMAS BRANAGi^N. 

as a free citizen iiilicrits in liis own pci>on ; an-d a. ]>Ian;cr that pur 
chases two hundred noirroe^', not only replesiishcs his purse thereby, 
but also gains one hundred and tw. n(y times as much influence in 
the nation, as the virtuous and honorable ])aLviot who nobly refuses 
to prostitute his political and religious cliaracter, by participating in 
such unparalleled duplicity, hypocrisy, and villany. Is such in- 
equality consistent with a republican form of government; is it con- 
sistent Vv'ith justice, generosity, or even common sense ? No; it is 
a canker that eats, and will of ilself eventually destroy our consti- 
tution. If there was no other enemy to excite our fears and alarm 
our sensibility, this surely is sufficient, No less than sixty odd thou, 
sand slaves annually increase the representation. 

If your slavers w'ish to effect a counter revolution in the minds of 
your injured fellow citizens, .you must first cause them to unlearn 
what they learned in " the times that tried men's souls;" you must 
destroy their memories ; you must draw a mighty veil before their in- 
Icliectual ej'es, to screen the tragical end of slavery in the now re- 
public of Ilayli ; you must consign every copy of the Rights of Man, 
and every other patriotic work, disseminated over the face of the 
earth, to the flames ; j'ou must destroy the liberty of the press, that 
glorious privilege of freemen ; you must finally destroy our post offi- 
ces, and every conduit and. vehicle of intelligence. Before you can 
fetter the understanding and blind the eyes of your fellow citizens, 
you must accomplish all these things and many more. 

I think and believe, that to sanction and support slavery in Texas, 
is a national crime that would have disgraced Sodom and Gomorrah. 
My mind is much afiected by the case of the injured Indians, and by 
the Texas mania ; for sure I am, unless the friends of freedom strain 
every nerve, the tyrants of the south will gain their objects, as they 
have two or three times before. 

[Under the Mexican government slavery has been totally abolished 
in Texas, and elsewhere. The Texian rebels could have effected 
nothing but for the assistance of the southern states, (backed by 
northern doughfaces,) who have as fully waged the treasonable, pira- 
tical war they excited, as if it had been by them formally declared. 
The number of principled men in Texas is too small to redeem the 
country and their cause from the fathomless abyss of misery, degra- 
dation, and infamy into which this unprecedented establishment and 
perpetuation of slavery must inevitably plunge them, as well as the 
United States. The slave-mongers, slave-politicians, slave-presses, 
and slave-senators, have foisted the recognition of tho independence 
of that slave region, and are urging its incorporation into the United 
States as rapidly as possible. The monstrous outrage against the 
laws of nature and of nations, unsurpassed by the blackest page of 
history, is fast tending to its fatal consummation !] 

The diabolical principle, which confers such a super-abundance of 
the j)aramount rights of suffrage and sovereignty upon a part of the 
citizens, accordingly as they enslave and torture their fellow men, to 
the great injury of the virtuous and honorable part of society — this 
infernal practice must be abolished, or the union must be dissolved, 
lliat is, if the spirit of 76 is not completely obliterated from the 



THOMAS ERANAGAN. 

breasts of tl-e citizen?: of the north ; for it is not only an insult to 
common sense, but decrradiny: Lh ■in to coward?, to suppose, that they 
will tamely see their sacred inalienable rights infringed by the exten- 
sion of slavery. 

Twelve amendments have been made to the constitution. Why 
not amend tiie principle alluded to? The constituliou has provided 
ways and means to amend ils cv.^n defects. Wliy not embrace this 
consiitutional privilege, and eracHcate this shameful inequalit}' ? Is 
is not more eligible to accommodate any misunderstanding that may 
exist between the dilferent states, in this way, than to do it by the 
force of arms ? Surely this would produce anarchy and intestine 
commotion ; and who, in such an event, will be the greatest sufferers ? 
I answer, and I shudder while I answer, the Oppressors! For how 
could they stand with injured innocence behind them, — their infuriated 
slaves ; and virluoris patriotism before them, — their insulted fellow 
citizens ? 

Is a diversity of color a certain proof of a diversity of species? 
No. This avgument, if it could prove any thing, v/ould prove too 
much. It will be found, upon investigation, that there are among 
tlie nations of mankind, no less than four or five principal colors ; 
not to say any thing of the various intermediate shades, which ap- 
proach more or less towards each of them. What ! are there four 
or five species of human beings ? Is each of the four great quarters 
of the world inhabited by a distinct species of men ? Are there to 
be found even in the same quarter of the world, human beings of dif- 
ferent kinds ? 

Besides it appears to be a fixed law of nature, which operates in 
all parts of creation, that, if two animals of a different species pair, 
the ofFsprin-g is unable to continue its species. Do not a black Afri- 
can and a white American, in instances innumerable, unite ? Cer- 
tainly ! Is the mulatto incapable of marriage ? No, he is as capa- 
ble of continuing his own color, as his white father is of continuing 
his. An irrefragable proof this, that the black and the white inhabi- 
tants of our globe constitute one species of beings. 

Whence the immense sums, which proprietors of plantations, and 
of negroes and mulattoes, receive annually, and spend in magnifi- 
cence and luxury ? Whence is all this great treasure ? How is it 
raised ? By the sweat, the blood, the tears, torments, the lives of 
your poor, hungry, naked, oppressed slaves. Are they so infinitely 
advantageous to you ? And can you refuse ; can you delay to h-ear 
the cry of their oppression, their sweat, and their blood ? Have you 
not, as a nation, been long distinguished and famous, for a free, inder 
pendent, generous spirit ? Is your constitution civil and religious, 
your glory among the nations of the world ? Do 3'ou sufler no slavery 
at the North ? V/b.y do you allow it elsewhere ? Do you, year after 
year, concert the best measures which your wisdom can devise, foi 
the prosperity and happiness of your white citizens at home and 
abroad ? Why overlook, neglect, and oppress, your black subjects ? 
Is there, can there be, such merit in one color, and such demerit in 
another ? 

Is industry a source of wealth to a nation ? Slavery must be the 



WILLIAM E. CHANNING. 

grand irTipovi^riyhcr, for it is an enconrasfement to idleness, and a de- 
preciator of labor. Does virtue consolidate and strengthen a nation? 
Slavery, and its concomitant vices, must enervate, if not subvert it. 
How shamefully slavery exposes and endangers the virtue of females, 
I forbear to say ; delicacy would shudder at the recital. The female 
who in theory or practice is an advocate for slavery, cannot be a vo 
tary or a friend to chastity. — The Guardian Genius, 



JOSEPH STURGE. 

General Santa Anna's real crime in the eyes of the American slave- 
owner is his enforcing the abolition of slavery throughout the Mexi- 
can Republic, when they were looking to seize Texas as a market for 
their slaves. 

This object was publicly avowed by them years ago. In the de- 
bates in the Virginia Convention, in 1829, Judge Upsher said, " If 
it should be our lot, as I trust it will be, to acquire the country of 
Texas, their price (the slaves) will rise again." 

We are told by the advocates of the Texian scheme, as a caution 
not to interfere ; that the cause of emancipation has retrograded in 
the United States, '• owing to the intemperate zeal of the Northern 
abolitionists." I need not remind the friends of emancipation in Eng- 
land, that this was ever the favorite assertion of the slave-holders 
and their advocates, during the struggle for negro freedom in the 
British West India Colonies ; nor yet record the opinion of American 
gentlemen, most accurately informed on the subject, that the bold 
and strenuous efforts of the Northern abolitionists, in denouncing this 
plague-spot of their social and political system, have, within the last 
four years, done more towards effecting its extinction than the exer- 
tions of the previous half century. The slave-owners of the South 
know this full well. 

Such, then, being the fearful plan for erecting the new state of 
Texas, by giving new life and energy to a system of crime and in. 
justice, which in many of the neighboring states is sinking under its 
inherent rottenness, it becomes the duty of every real abolitionist, 
whether in England or America, to warn his countrymen against 
being decoyed within the sphere of its contaminating influence. The 
country is designed to be the " home of the slave," and to be peopled 
by a tralVic more hideous than the African slave trade itself. 



WILLIAM E. CHANNING 

Wars with Europe and Mexico are to bo entailed on us by the an- 
nexation of Texas. And is war tiio policy by which this country is 
to flourish ? Was it for interminable conflicts that we formed our 
Union ? Is it blood shed for plunder, which is to consolidate our in- 
stitutions ? Is it by collision with the greatest maritime power, that 
our commerce is to gain strength ? Is it by arming against ourselves 
ibe moral sentiments of the world, that we are to build up national 
honor ? Must we of the North buckle on our armor, to fight the bat- 
tles of slavery ; to fight for a possession, which our moral principles 



WILLIAM E. CHANGING. 



ami iust icaloupy forbid ns to iucorporaio witli our confciieracy ? In 
attachino; Texas to ourselves, we provoke hostilities, and at the game 
time expose new points of a'tack to our foes. Vulnerable at 8o nmny 
points, we sha'.l need a vast inililaiy force. Great armies will re- 
quire great revenues, and raise up great chieftains. Are v/e tired of 
freedom, that we are prepared to place it under such guardians? Is 
the reimblic bent on dying by its own hands? Does not every man 
feel, that, with war for "our habit, our institutions cannot be pre- 
served ? If ever a country were bound to peace, it is this. Pesce is 
our great interest. In peace our resources are to be developed, the 
true interpretation of the constituiion to be established, and the inter- 
fering claims of liberty and order to be adjusted. In peace we are 
to discha!ge our great debt to the human race, and to diffuse freedom 
by manifesting its fruits. A country has no right to adopt a policy, 
ho'.vever gainful, whicl), as it may foresee, will determine it to a ca- 
reer of w^ar. A nation, like an individual, is bound to seek, even 
by sacrifices, a ])0£ition, which will favor peace, justice, and the ex- 
ercise of a beneficent influence on the world. A nation, provoking 
war by cupidity, by encroachment, and, above all, by efforts to pro- 
pagate file curse of slavery, is alike false to itself, to God, and to the 
human race. 

The annexation of Texas, I have said, will extend and perpetuate 
slavery. It is fitted, and, still more, intended to do so. On this 
point there can be no doubt. A.s fur back as the year 1829, the an- 
ni-xa'ion of Texas was agitated in tlie Southern and Western States; 
and it v/as urged on the ground of the strength and extension it 
would give to the slave-holding interest. In a series of essays, as- 
cribed to a gentleman, now a sena'or in Congress, it was maintained, 
that five or six slave-holding states v/ould by this measure be added to 
the Union ; and he even intimated that as many as nine States as 
large as Kentucky might be formed within the Ihnits of Texas, In 
Vii-ginia, about the same time, calculations were made as to the in- 
creased value which would thus be given to slaves, and it vv^as eveji 
said, that this acquisition Vv'oul<l rise the price fifty per cent. Of late 
the language on this subject is most explicit. The great argument 
for annexing Texas is, that it will strengthen " tlic peculiar institu 
tions" of tile south, and open a new atui vast field for slavery. 

Nor is the worst told. As I have before intimated, and it cannot 
be too often repeated, we shall not only quicken the domestic slave- 
trade ; we shall give a new impulse to the foreign. This, indeed, 
we have pronoanced in our laws to be felony ; but we make our laws 
cobwebs, when we offer to rapacious men strong motives for their 
violation. Open a market for slaves in an unsettled country, with a 
sweep of sea-coast, and at such distance from the seat of government 
that laws may be evaded with impunity, and how can you exclude 
slaves from Africa ? It is well known that cargoes have been landed 
in Louisiana. What is to drive them from Texas ? In incorporat- 
ing this region with the Union to make it a slave-country, v/e send 
the kidnapper to prowl through the jungles, and to dart, like a beast 
of prey, on the defenceless villages of Africa ; we chain the help- 
less, despairing victims ; crowd them into the fcDtid, pestilential slave- 

3* 



V. p. ROGERS. 

ship ; expose l.hcni to the unutterable cruclLies of the middle passage, 
and, if they survive it, crush tlicm with perpetual bondage. 

I now ask, whether, as a people, we are prepared to seize on a 
neigliboring territory for the end of extending slavery ? I ask, 
whether, as a people, we can stand forth in the sight of God, in the 
sight of the nations, and adopt this atrocious policy ? Sooner perish ! 
Sooner be our name blotted out from the record of nations I 



COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1838. 
•■' Resolves against the annexation of Texas to the United States. 

" Whereas a proposition to admit into the United States, as a con- 
stitucnt member thereof, the foreign nation of Texas, has been re- 
commended by the legislative resolutions of several States, and 
brought before Congress for its approval and sanction : and whereas 
such a measure would involve great wrong to INIexico, and other 
wise be of evil precedent, injurious to the interests and dishonorable 
to the character of this country ; and whereas its avowed objectfs are 
doubly fraught with peril to the prosperity and permanency of this 
Union, as tending to disturb and destroy the conditions of those com- 
promises and concessions entered into at the formation of the Consti- 
tution, by which the relative weight of different sections and interests 
was adjusted, and to strengthen and extend the evils of a system 
which is unjust in itself, in striking contrast with the theory of our 
institutions, and condemned by the moral sentiment of mankind : and 
whereas the People of these United States have not granted to any or 
all of the departments of their Government, but have retained in 
themselves, the only power adequate to the admission of a foreign na- 
tion into this confederacy ; therefore, 

^'"Resolved. That we, the Senate and House of Representatives in 
General Court assembled, do, in the name of the People of Massa- 
chusetts, earnestly and solemnly protest against the incorporation of 
Texas into this Union ; and declare that no act done, or compact 
made, for such purpose, by the Government of the United States, 
will be binding on the States or the People. 

" Resolved, That his excellency the Governor be requested to for- 
ward a copy of these resolves, and the accompanying report, to the 
Executive of the United States, and the Executive of each State ; 
and also to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress, 
with a request that they present the resolves to both Houses of Con- 
gress." 



NATHANIEL P. ROGERS. 

We should not be surprised, if by reason of this slave-holding, our 
nation sliould get involved in a war with Mexico— with all the re- 
mammfj tribes of American Indians onv Christianity has spared, and 
Great Britain besides, backed up by the sympathies of the whole 
christian world. If it should, the Republic will be in an enviable 
predicament. British steamers and war craft cover the ocean. We 
have Canada on the North, Aboriginality and Mexico on the West. 



D. L. CHILD. 

The West Indies on the south, with 3,000,000 dark allies, dispersed 
upon the plantations, to facilitate and further a visit to the " Patriot 
States," — and New Brunswick beyond the pine woods of the disputed 
territory. To meet all this, we have a bankrupt treasury — a corrupt 
and confounded people- — the " peculiar institution," to inspirit us, and 
Texas to help us, as an ally. There is not a people under heaven, 
that could sympathize with us in such a contest, but the Republic of 
Texas. Texas is a Republic, to be sure, and almost the only one on 
earth, besides ours. Her Republican sympathy would out weigh that 
of monarchy and despotisms, on the other side. But then it would 
not work to much purpose for us, against the pressure of the British 
steamer. It would not avail us greatly as a counter propulsion. It 
might inspire our hearts, with enthusiasm to fight for slavery and 
equal rights, — but it would not waft artillery, like the floats of the 
British steam ship, or guard us from the tomahawk of the universal 
west, which such a war would call back against us from all the re- 
gions of Indian banishment, where revenge has been sharpening ita 
edge, and hushing the animosities of the hostile tribes in one over 
whelming enmity to the race, that has outraged their love of home 
and native land, and fathers' graves. And if we fall in such a war- 
fare, it would be glorious enough — however unfortunate for the cause 
of Liberty. Slavery has been troublesome to us, ever since we were 
a nation. But we have seen but the beginning of sorrows. It can- 
not remain well with us. It were in impeachment of the equal ways 
of Providence, if such a nation as this has been, can have prosperity, 
or experience any thing but signal retribution. To have enslaved hu 
manity, under circumstances like these, is no light transgression, and 
brings with it, naturally, no light retribution. And our solemn 
statesmen, — when it burst upon us, can no more devise relief or es- 
cape, than Belshazzar's wise men could help him in his extremity, or 
read the writing on the wall. — Herald of Freedom 



DAVID LEE CHILD. 

What authority had president Jackson to commence the war in 
Texas? Not a jot more than Gen. Gaines. His power, in respect 
to making war upon a foreign nation, is restricted by the constitu- 
tion to the repelling of invasions ; and he cannot, without a violation 
of the constitution, and his oath, march a man beyond the limits of 
the Union. If it be true, as there appears no reason to doubt, that 
he has done this, he ought by law to be impeached, and expelled 
from office, and then punished by fine and imprisonment, or given 
up to the injured nation to be punished by them for any murder or 
robbery, which the troops may commit in pursuing his orders. He 
has no more right to enter Mexico, seize property and slay inhabi- 
tants, whether Indians or others, than any citizen of the United 
States has to go into Great Britain and do it. Such acts will be rob- 
bery, piracy, or murder, and ought to be punished accordingly. 

The power of declaring war is vested exclusively in the congress 
of the United States ; and there cannot be a lawful war, and one 
which fchall confer upon those taking part in it, the rig-ht« of war, 



E. W. GOODWIN. 

without such .Jcclara'ion. Supposing Com. Portor, when lie onterei 
the town of Foxa'do, in the Island of Porfo Rico, — or Aaron Burr, 
wlicn ho entered Texas, thirty years ago, had been taken with their 
oflicers and men ;. would they not have been put to death agreeably 
to the law of nations. So would Gen. Jackson and his men, when, 
in two instances, they deliberately marched into Florida, and seized 
the towns and possessions of Spain. If the constitution had been 
supported, and the laws of the land faithfully executed, on either of 
those occasions, we should not now have had a president who would 
have ventured to issue an order to invade a friendly country and be- 
gin a war ; nor a general who would dare to obey it, nor a subordi- 
nate officer, who would not throw up his commission, nor a soldier 
who would not throw down his arms at the frontier, and refuse, as 
they might lawfully and dutifully do, to be the instruujenls of usur- 
pation, and the perpetrators of crime. 

And where are the remonstrances of the press, and the meetings 
of the people ? Where are the friends of universal peace, and above 
all, where is the Christian priesthood ? And you merchants, ship- 
owners, and underwriters, where are you ? Know you not "that this 
presidential measure is fatally opposed to the purest devotion to self- 
interest that ever chilled a half-penny heart ? Awake, arise ; it is 
not (only) a breach of the constitution. Tliere is a breach in the 
6trong-box. 

If any circumstance could enhance the intrinsic wickedness of tlie 
executive i)roceedings, it is the end and object at which they are 
aiming. It is to PROPAGATE- SLAVERY, or in other words, 
perpetual robbery, rapine, and murder throughout a vast and beauti- 
ful region, now, by the laws of Mexico, perfectly free. It is to open 
a new and interminable slave-market to the old slave-breeding siuners 
of Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and other old 
slave state--, and to flcsb.rnongcrs every where. It is to bring into 
this Union, for the benefit of nullifiers, five to ten new slave 
states, each with a Constitution, not only establishing slavery, but 
also forbidding their own legislatures ever to abolish it. This is a 
provision of the new constitution of Texas, formed since the strug- 
gle for liberty commenced ! The old or Mexican constitution of 
T(\\as abolished slavery forever ! 

And tlie free states are willing to pay three fourths of the taxes 
(as they ever must so long as they are raised on consumption) to sup. 
port a war for these objects; for, remember if war exists, ' appropria- 
tions must be made to carry it on.' 



EDWIN W. GOODWIN. 

Texas. — A correct idea of the importance, magnitude, and power 
of that nation, for which such an anxiety is expressed that it may be 
united with this country, may be ol)tained from the fact that the 
whole vote fur President at the late election, was 10,084; only about 
oiie-rnnlh as many votes as were cast at our late presidential el«ction 
in the single state of Illinois. 

The national debt of this immense people is $11,602,127, includ- 



J. XV. «iIDDINGS. 

mg the appropriation of the last congress, and ^1,000,000 of bond- 
hypothecated by Gen. liamiJlon, This, npon an average, is abou^ 
eleven hundred and sixty dollars to each voter at the late election. It 
is a very reasonable conclusion then, that the people of Texas are 
anxious to form a new connection in business, especially if the pro- 
posed partner has some money or credit, 

" By Art IV. Sect. 2, of the Constitution, fugitives from justice 
are to be delivered up on demand, to the state from which they fled ; 
so that Texas, if annexed to the United States, vi^ould be left without 
a corporal's guard !" — Tocsin of Liberty. 

JOSHUA R. GIDDINGS. 

Our constituents are asked to engage isi a war with one of the most 
powerful nations of the earth, in order to enable the slave-dealers of 
the south to carry their slaves out of the territory and jurisdiction of 
the slave states under the flag of our common country. They insist 
upon the privilege of involving our constituents, the free people of 
Ohio, in the disgrace and expense of maintaining what Mr, JeflTer- 
son calls " an execrable commerce in human beings." Against these 
abuses our constituents have remonstrated. Conscious that they are 
unconstitutional infringments of their rights, they have year after 
year sent their petitions here, praying in the most respectful manner 
that they may be relieved from these oppressions and from such un- 
constitutional taxation. They have approached congress in the most 
respectful manner, and in the most unexceptionable language have 
asked that these abuses may cease. These petitions have been treated 
with contempt and the most insulting epithets applied to the peopfe 
who have thus dared to approach their servants. When petitioning 
for the protection of their constitutional rights, they have been falsely 
represented as attempting to invade the rights of others. When they 
have asked relief from taxation for the support of slavery, they have 
been represented as attempting to interfere with the vested rights of 
others. When they have asked congress to repeal the laws of their 
own enacting, they have been held up to the country and the world, 
as seeking for unconstitutional objects which congress had no power 
to grant. — Letter to the Members of Congress, March 5, 1842. 



Resolutions offered by Mr. Giddings, for which he was censured by 
a majority of the house. 

Resolved, That slavery, being an abridgement of the natural rights 
of man, can exist only by force of positive municipal law, and is ne- 
cessarily confined to the territorial jurisdiction of the power creat- 
ing it. 

Resolved, That when the brig Creole, on her late passage for New. 
Orleans, left the territorial jurisdiction of Virginia, the slave laws of 
that state ceased to have jurisdiction over the persons on board said 
brig, and such persons became amenable only to the laws of the 
United States. 

^-^nlved. That all attempts to exert our national influence in fa 



Z. EASTMAN. 



vor of the coastwise slave trade, or to place this nation in the atti 
tudc of maintaining a " commerce in human beings," are subversive 
of the rights and injurious to the feelings and the inferests of the free 
states ; arc unauthorized by the constituiion, and prejudicial to our 
national character. 



MR. MAYNARD. 

Under the pretence of preventing any Indian disturbances, while 
the Texian soldiers and citizens are in the service against the Mexi- 
cans, the Secretary of War has put Gen. Taylor in command of a 
body of U. S. troops, and sent him to that republic, with discretionary 
powers ; and every one who knows how General Gaines managed be- 
fore, under similar circumstances, and how such matters were con- 
ducted by Gen. Jackson, in Florida, will of course understand, that 
this is equivalent to sending an army of 2,000 men, to the aid of 
Texas. Under the same pretence before, our army was marched 
some 200 miles into Mexican territory. If I remember rightly, and 
if necessary, no doubt will be again. — Madison Abolitionist 



STARTLING FACTS. 

Tlie late three years' war with England, the most powerful nation 
in the world, cost the United States about ,^90,000,000. 

The three years' war in Florida, with a remnant tribe of Seminole 
Indians and a few runaway Negroes, has cost us ^40,000,000, or 
nearly half the whole expense of our war with England ! ! ! 

The war against the miserable Indians and Negroes, was wickedly 
commenced, has been ingloriously conducted, and threatens to be in- 
terminabic? 

There is not, in the history of wars among civilized nations, a 
parallel for the wantonness, in:ibecility and corruption which distin- 
guishes this dishonorable, infamous crusade. — Albany Evening 
Journal. 



ZEBINA EASTMAN. 

So it appears to-be a plan already matured, that troops are to be 
conveyed from this country directly into the territory of Mexico, 
without setting a foot on the soil of Texas. 

Remember, that the original contest with Mexico, was not com- 
menced for liberty, but for the purpose of introducing slavery into 
Texas, and for wresting that territory from Mexico, that it might be 
joined to the United States to strengthen the slave power here. And 
remember also, that the sympathy manifested for the people of Texas, 
and all this violation of neutrality and the laws and usages of na- 
tions, is not sympathy for the oppressed, nor for the extension or pre- 
servation of liberty, but is sympathy for the oppressor, and these 
plans are carried out for the sake of strengthening the chains of the 
slave, and for extending the dominion of slavery. — Genius of Liberty. 



THE LEGION OF LIBERTY. 



GAMALIEL BAILEY. 



The report of the invasiun of Texas by Mexico, is confirmed. 
Many of our nc\v?paj)ers never th-c m eulogizing the spirit of the 
Texians on this occasion, 

The conduct of a certain portion of our citizens in relation to the 
belhgercnts deserves notice. A meeting has been held in Cincinnati, 
to sympathize with the revolted province ; a similar one in Philadel- 
phia. Meantime, open efforts are made to enlist the people of the 
United States in a crusade against Mexico. The National Intelli- 
gencer coolly announces that '' a company of seventy emigrants, 
well armed and equipped, left Mobile on the 24Lh ultimo for Texas, 
on an exploring expedition." A correspondent of the Daily Message, 
writing from New-Orleans, March 2Gth, says — that " fresh recruits 
are marching from every quarter to aid them (the Texians,) in their 
glorious struggle. Last Sunday the steamship Neptune left this port 
with two hundred fearless and gallant spirits. May the God of bat- 
ties crown their efforts with speedy and brilliant success." 

Why have we no president's message to repress these hostile de- 
monstrations towards a power, with which we are at peace ? Here 
are armed bands marching from this country against Mexico, in vio- 
lation of good faith and of the laws of the United States, and yet 
John Tyler, whose oath of office binds him to " take care that the 
laws be faithfully executed," looks on and is silent ! We all know- 
how prompt was the executive with its proclamation, when the hos- 
tility of our northern borderers was likely to interrupt the friendly re- 
lations with Great Britain. But circumstances alter cases. Eng. 
land is a formidable, Mexico a feeble, power. We were afraid of the 
former ; but most valiantly do we bully the latter. Besides, slavery 
had nothing to gain from irruptions into Canada ; so a pro-slavery 
government was most scrupulous in fulfilling the obligations imposed 
by the laws of nations. But, having every thing to gain by the 
separation of Texas from Mexico, the government which it controls, 
connives at the most flagitious aggressions by our citizens on that 
friendly slate ! And yet this government, after having permitted 
many of its citizens to inflict outrage after outrage on Mexico, affects 
a saint-like countenance, and complains of the hostility of our neigh- 
Dor I I\Iost perfidious ! 

*' And thus I clothe my naked villiany, 

And seem a saint, when most I play the devil." 

Some wretched trucklers to the powers that be, are apt to repre- 
sent opposition to the administration of the government as treason 
against the country. Poor fools I they should be slaves to the grand 
Turk. It is because we love our country — its honor, its interest — 
that we abhor the government, as it has long been administered. It 
does not represent the people of the United States. It is the expo- 
nent and instrument of one interest — the tool of a single class. That 
interest is slavery, that class is made up of slave-holders and their 
northern menials. Let the government be redeemed from this degra- 
dation, and be controlled by the constitution, interpreted in the light 



ANTI-TEXAS, 



of the Declaration of Independence, and then may we expect to 
see this republic respecting the rights of all mankind, acting with even- 
handed justice towards all nations, the weak, as well as powerful. — 
The Philanthropist. 



NATIONAL A. S. STANDARD. 

\,eX abolitionists be on their guard, and not be deceived by quieting 
rumors. We have it from high auihnrity, too well ivformed to be mis. 
taken, that the slaveholders were never more intent upon their favorite 
plan of annexing Texas than at the present moment. They are doubt- 
less reaiiy to spring the trap at any favorable moment. Let not aboli- 
tionists be lulled to sleep by the disclaimer of General Hamilton, who 
says he would rather not have Texas belong to the United States. Cats 
have covered themselves with meal before now to catch old rats. Neither 
let tliem be too sure that the rumored mediation of France and England 
between Mexico and Texas is going to avert the danger of annexation. 
It is indeed ditiicult to foretell what will be the result of all this plot- 
ting and underplotting ; but one thing is certam — abolitionists have 
need to keep ivide awake ; for no single event involves such disastrous 
consequences to the cause of freedom, as this. 

Let the opinion of the free States be earnestly and perseveringly 
expressed in the form of petitions and the action on the State legisla- 
tures on Congress. There is need of this. Be not lulled into false 
security. Will anti-slavery papers copy the articles which we have from 
the Ncw-York American? Prere«<?'o?/ is much easier than cm/t. We 
trust the English and Irish abolitionists will keep themselves well in- 
formed on this important question, and will see that John Q. Adams's 
Address at Brainlree is extensively circulated. — L. Maria Child. 



WILLIAM L. MACKENZIE. 

The intrigues of the United States slave-owners it was, which con- 
verted Texas into a place of bondage in the man of color. Honest 
Mexico had made it free alike to all men in 1829, and for this offence 
has southern vengeance and Eiiropean diplomacy continued to strike 
at the tranquillity of her devoted population ever since, while it is whis- 
pered that Cass, the agent of the south in Paris, was not unfriendly to 
Louis Phillipe's villainous attack. 

Agam, Cuba was about to seek independence, and offer equal liber- 
ty to all its inhabitants some years ago. But it is well known that 
Messrs. Clav and Adams in 1827, and Mr. Van Buren and Mr. Van 
iiess in 1629, made the most urgent remonstrances to old Spain against 
permitting such a step. The south was ready to tender the aid of 
the arms of the great American republic "to crush a struggle 
for freedom, which might end in yielding an asylum to a Virginia 
mulatto slave. Not content with the gains of their own serfs, the 



THE LEGION OF LIBERTY. 

avarice of man is such, that of 177 slave ships which arrive every 
year in Cuba, five-ninths are owned and fitted out in this Union un- 
der the fostering care of its government, and their guilty gains are 
truly enormous. 

Compare the conduct of the slave power at "Washington to Texas, 
and to Canada. Scattered along an extensive line, williout muni- 
tions of war, without provisions, almost without clothing, pursued 
by the English forces on one side, and by tlie troops under the com- 
mand of General SooLt on the other, during a most severe and stormy 
winter. Such was the situation of the Canadian republicans in 1838. 
The Texians were slave-owners fighting to re-establish slavery on a 
6oil from which it had been recently banished by the Mexicans ; the 
American government gave them every possible aid and assistance. 
The Canadian Patriots fought for liberty to all, and no negro slavery 
could be expected to crown their triumphs. — McKenzie's Gazette 
June, 1840. 



LA ROY SUNDERLAND. 

Meetings in favor of Texas and against Mexico, have been held in 
every southern and south-western city. Upwards of fifty thousand 
dollars in money and munitions have been subscribed for the Texians. 
And it is said, that several have already left this city for Texas, in 
order to engage in the war against Mexico. 

Who can witness these eftbrts to support and extend slavery, and 
not feel a blush of indignation for this boasted republic ! And look, 
too, at the prodigality with which the slave-holders pour out their 
money, and for the basest of purposes, while the cause of iruman 
rights, at tlie north, languishes for the want of support. — N. Y. 
Watchman. 



The south never will give the slave up until the North is converted 
to our doctrines. While the north regards the colored man as it now 
does, it would be a Herculean, a desperate enterprise for the south to 
undertake the emancipation of the slave. The north must make its 
peace with the " free colored man," before the south can emancipate 
the slave. It would not save the country, or free the slave, to enact 
the abolition of slavery by congress, and by every state general court 
in the union, without a moral change in the white population to- 
wards the black, and the consequent revolution of feeling in the black 
towards the white man. Nothing can effect this change but the ac- 
tion and prevalence of anti-slavery societies and principles. — Anti- 
Slavery Manual. 



Change of Opinion. — Mr. J. B. Lamar, formeily warmly and ac- 
tively engaged in the support of the Texian cause, is not disposed, it 
appears to pursue the same com-se at present. In a letter to the Sa- 
vannah Georgian, he says, that " time, reflection, and a more en- 
lightened conscience, convince him that any interference with the 
war in Texas, by citizens of one of the United Slates, is a violation 



THE LLGION OF LIBERTY. 



of the laws of our own country, and inconsistent with our interests 
and tlic doctrines we liold of like conduct in others towards us; and 
he niutit therefore in justice to himself, not only decline the appoint, 
ment, (to which he had been called by a meeting, held in Savannah, 
of friends of that cause,) but refuse to contribute to the object in any 
way whatever." — Boston Daily Mail 



ARCHIBALD L. LINN. 

Recent events have satisfied me that new and serious attempts are 
to be made to accomplish the annexation of Texas to this Union, 
One of the principal instruments in the scheme is to be found in the 
character of the present mission to Mexico, and, as no higher in- 
terests can be involved in our foreign intercourse than the political 
considerations which belong to this mission, I feel it my duty to ad- 
vert to them at the earliest opportunity. 

■\Vhocvcr would look back upon the history of our relations with 
Mexico in reference to the province of Texas — of the first settle- 
ment of that provice — and of the men who and the influences 
which produced the revolution there and her separation from Mexico ; 
whoever would look back upon the legislation of congress — of the 
legislation of several of the states of the union, and upon the opin- 
ions and influences of men in all parts of the country ; whoever 
would trace the whole progress of that revolution from its inception 
down to the present time, and connect it with the present events and 
present condition of that country, would come to the conclusion that 
the political difficulties which had heretofore existed between this go- 
vernment and Mexico, had reference only to the annexation of Texas 
— and that the eiforts to attain that object were to be renewed, with 
all the moral and political evils which could not fail to accompany it. 

Mr. L. then glanced briefly at the history of Texas as a province, 
to show that the whole history of diplomacy on this subject, (of which 
he said, he had copious notes,) and the whole history of legislation 
went to show that the annexation of Texas, (whether successful or 
not,) was the desired fruit of the present mission to Mexico. He re- 
ferred to the representative history of General Waddy Thompson, as 
a member of this house, to show that that gentleman had introduced 
a proposition for the recognition of the independence of Texas ; that 
he iiad pursued a course which pledged him to that step. And he 
(Mr. L.) hesitated not to predict that one of the fruits of this mis- 
sion, as now created, would be a renewal of the proposition for th«; 
annexation of Texas to the United States. 

Mr. L. passed on to notice the claims of the citizens of the United 
States against the government of Mexico, in relation to which n 
commission has been in session for some two years past ; and expres- 
sed the conviction that the gva.nd finale of these claims (if ever set- 
tled at all) would be the relinquishment of them on the part of this 
government, either by means of a recognition of the independence 
of Texas, or a direct cession of Texas to this government. And it 



W. SLADE. 



was to prevent the evils arising from this state of things, that i]m 
mission ought not, in his judgment to be allowed. 

Notwithstanding our aggressions upon Mexico, (which he did not 
advert to, but which were matters of history,) we were still, at least 
professedly, at peace with her, under solemn treaties of amity and 
commerce. By what rule, then, of national lav/ or national honor 
we were justified in interfering in the affairs of Texas, he could not 
(jivine— Texas, a province in a state of open revolt, whose indepen- 
dence Mexico had never recognized, but against which she was at 
this time waging a most uncompromising war. Whence, then, the 
sympathy and enthusiasm which had been excited on the subject m 
this country ? Whence the injustice and breach of national faith 
ao-ainst Mexico, which had engendered so much ill-blood and ill-feel- 
ing against a government which was doing the most that she was 
able to do, to establish free institutions of the same kind as our own ? 
Whence the abandonment of the policy of non-interference, which 
had been so studiously cultivated and adhered to by this government 
in all the contests which had taken place on this continent ? Or 
who could doubt that the continuance of negotiations between this 
government and Mexico, in relation to the annexation of Texas, 
would inevitably lead to war ? And Mr. L. alluded to the pi^babui 
ty, in such an event, of interference on the part of Great Britain 
--Speech in Congress, April 13, 1842. 

WILLIAM SLADE. 

j\Ir S. had been greatly surprised at the nomination to Mexico of 

a public man who had always zealously advocated the cause of Tcxian 

independence. Gentlemen in the south did not appreciate the tceiing 

which pervaded this country in reference to this Texian question. 

Throughout more than half the states of this union, it was watched 

with the utmost jealousy, and excited the deepest feeling, because it 

was well known that anxious efforts had long been going on to eftect 

the annexation of Texas to the United States, and it was as perrectly 

understood that the entering wedge to the accomplishment oi such a 

desicrn was never applied in the open light of day, but secretly, and, 

for auaht that a]>peared upon the surface, that wedge might not only 

be entered, but driven up past all hope of retraction before the fact 

was known at all. And there were those in this union who looked 

the more sharply at all such measures from their apprehension as to 

the connexion between the annexation of Texas and the extension of 

slavery Whether these persons were imprudent or not, m the course 

they pm-sued— whether or not they adopted the best means to accom- 

pHsh their objects, and whether their abstract positions were sound or 

not still they were perpetually on the watch4,ower, looking With 

eagle eyes at every movement bearing on the Texian question, and 

but for 'their unsleeping vigilance, the so much desired union between 

that country and this would have been effected long ago. Here Mr. 

S referred to the vast number of petitions which they had sent up 

against the annexation. That number was not so great now, because 

an impression had begun to prevail that the danger was now over. 



W. SLADE. 

Biit Mr. S. could assure ihoin they were entirely mistaken. It was 
!jot over; very far from it, and lie thanked the gentleman frotn New- 
York. (Mr. Linn,) for rousing the attention of the country to the 
subject. What Jiad they seen during the last year ? Not only did 
the pubhc press of the south and south-west come out openly for an- 
nexation, but several of the states had passed official resolutions to 
the same effect ; and when brought into the House of Representa- 
tives, how were they treated ? Not as the abolition resolutions even 
from state legislatures were. They were not only received, but or- 
dered to be printed, that they might be considered and acted upon. 
The same tiling had been done at the other end of the capitol. All 
this was done with the intent of forming public opinion, and, so far, 
it was all fair. But if a northern abolitionist should attempt any 
means to counteract such opinion at th<! south, by arguments how- 
ever strong and however reasonable, he must straightway be seized 
and hung to a lamp post. [A laugh.] 

The American people never could be drawn into any such mea- 
sure as the annexation of Texas ; it would be utter ruin to the union 
of the states. Mr. S. would not give a snap of his fingers for this 
union from the day such a measure was effected. It would be dis- 
solved ipso facto from that moment. He was a friend to the union ; 
he desired to see it preserved, and therefore he deprecated a scheme 
that must dissolve it. 

He would say, in general terms, that he believed it arose from a 
desire to extend and to perpetuate slavery. That such a desire did 
exist was a fact beyond dispute ; it had been manifested witli greater 
or less distinctness for the last forty j-ears ; in its practical effects it 
hud trampled on all the safeguards of the constitution, and Icrjgllicned 
the cords and strengthened the stakes of slavery in this land. The 
general expectation at the adoption of the constitution, was that 
slavery would be abolished in less than a quarter of a century ; but 
half a century had elapsed, and instead of being abolished it had in- 
creased three-fold. This process began with the purchase of Louisi- 
ana, or rather, with the toleration of slavery in that state, and it 
had been extended in the free states since formed out of the Louisiana 
purchase. Mr. S. considered this as having inflicted a deeper wound 
on the constitution than any other event that had ever happened since 
its adoption. 

Air. S. could show, did time permit, how slavery had governed this 
land ; how it had chosen our presidents for a succession of forty 
years, while there had, since the foundation of the government, been 
a president in the chair from the free states but for twelve years and 
one month. And of these, one never would have been president had 
he not been " a northern man with southern principles." A review 
of the individuals who had filled the speaker's chair of this house 
would show the same thing. 

He might refer to the fact that five out of sLx of those who had 
filled the mission to Mexico, had been gentlemen from the southern 
slates. Of the reason of such a selection there could be no doubt. 
He need not say liow impossible it was to carry on important nego- 
tiations with almost any government, and especially with Mexico, 



THE LEGION OF LIBERTY. 

without their liavingrin important bearing; on our relations wiili oihor 
governments. And Iiore he took occasion to repel the expressions of 
contempt which had fallen from Mr. Cus'ning, in which he spoke of 
gentlemen cowering under the f.own of Great Britain, and of being 
actuateu by a dread of Britif-h interferenoe. The people of New- 
England would be tne very last to be actuated by such a feeling, as 
the glorious history of this country would abundantly shov/. B Jt 
while we were ready to maintain our rights against all the world, it 
was the part of wi-sdom and prudence not to be insensible to the dan- 
ger of beco;ning needlessly embroiled v»'ith other governments. The 
gentleman from South Carolina, (Mr. Pickens,) had given pretty 
itrong indications not only of a very strong sympathy with the cause 
of Texas, but of a disposition to carry that feeling into our relations 
with Mexico. He had alluded to what he supposed to be a fact, that 
the British governmont stood pledgc-d to that of Mexico, to aid it un- 
der certain contingencies. If this were true, it was of itself sufti- 
cicnt to put every prudent statesman on his guard. 

Mr. S. would tell gentlemen that their scheme never could be car- 
ried into effect ; there might be a union on parchment, but it never 
could godown with the people of the nortliern states. Let the thought 
be banished at once. Let not gentlemen deceive themselves — he 
could tell them tliat the very moment they came out and showed their 
hand they would find a spirit which th.ey liltle dreanied of. He would 
say to them, as a friend, " hands off." Let this government, declare 
at once to Texas, to Mexico, and to all the world beside, that such 
a thing as a union between Texas and the United States was utterly 
impracticable. When this should have been done, the government o1 
Mexico would be more likely to open their ears to the clauns of 
American citizens. Let it be distinctly understood that the moment 
we united ourselves with Texas, thai moment we married ourselves 
to a war. He was, therefore, for a proclamation of neutrality. 
Why should this measure not be resorted to in relation to our neigh- 
bors at one extremity of the union as to those at the other? Wo 
did it relation to Canada, why not in regard to Texas and Mexico? 
We owed this to ourrcives and to the peace of the world. We stood 
in a highly dangerous position — before we knew it the matches might 
be applied to the magazine. 

A Voice from Deleware. — The following, we doubt not, ex- 
presses the feelings of the people of that State — a state nearly free 
from slavery. — Albany Patriot. 

" Annexation of Texas to the U. States. — This accursed project 
has been a favorite of tlie South for years past. It was cherished by 
Jackson, and not frowned on by Van Buren, and is said to be a 
darling with Tyler and some of the Guard. We have territory 
enough — need no more, and t(» be saddled with Texas, and its dia- 
bolical population, would probably cause a dissolution of the Union. 
We hope all patriotic and nrood men will lift ih.eir voices against 
such a ruinous measure." — Wilmington Del. Republican. May. 1843. 



4* 



THE LEGION OF LIBERTY. 

THE BRITISH EMANCIPATOR. 

Tkxas. — It is a deplorable thing in this age of the world, after 
such gigantic and persevering efforts have been made to get rid of 
slavery and the slave-trade, and with so much success, that in a 
country in which slavery had been abolished, (and that country four 
times as large as France,) this curse and crime should he restored I 
It is yet more deplorable, that this restoration of slavery should have 
the effect, and should have been brought about for the purpose, of 
providing a vast and almost boundless market for the slaves reared 
like cattle by an adjoining nation, boasting, to be civilized and chris. 
tian ! The domestic slave-trade has made the United States the sink 
and the scorn of the world • yet, this more than infernal traffic is to 
find an inexhaustible outlet in Texas ! Yet more deplorable is it, that 
a nation born amidst the agonies of the slavery it revives, and exist- 
ing but for the perpetuation and aggravation of atrocities which all 
civilized governments have agreed to denounce and exterminate, 
should by an}'^ one of those governments have been acknowledged as 
a nation at all. Humanity bleeds on contemplating slavery as a fact 
of the past ; it is dreadful to see it originating anew. A nascent peo- 
pie ordaining slavery should have met with not a moment's toleration ; 
they should been frowned and trodden out of being by the united scorn 
and resistance of the civilized world. — The British Emancipator. 

The Committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery So- 
ciety, to Lord Palmerston, Secretary for Foreign Affairs. 

The committee will not trouble your Lordship with a detail of the 
unjust and atrocious manner in which the Mexican provmce of Texas 
has been wrested from the parent state by unprincipled adventurers, 
land jobbers, and slave-holders from the United States, whose con- 
duct merits the most indignant rebuke, and must attach lasting dis- 
honor to all who may become implicated in it : but would press on 
the consideration of your Lordship and the government the well-knov/n 
fact, that the legislature of Texas has abolished the universal freedom 
which, with such admirable justice and propriety, had been decreed 
by the Mexican government, and have re-established slavery in its 
worst form. The committee would also call your Lordship's atten- 
tion to the fact, that the Texian laws also provide for the expulsion 
from its territory of all Africans and the descendants of Africans, 
whether in whole or in part born free, as well as of the native In- 
dian tribes, an iniquity not less cruel than it is infamous, and un- 
paralleled in the history of any civilized people. 

The establishment of slavery in Texas will open an immense mar 
ket for the slavc-breeders of the United States, and will inevitably 
enlarge to an unprecedented extent, and raise to a pitch of unpre. 
cedented horrors, a traffic so infamous and deplorable. Nor can it 
be doubted but, in spite of the law which prohibits it, the slave-trade 
with Africa, against which the whole power of the British empire is 
arrayed, will be extensively carried on, as there is too great reason 
to believe it has already begun. 

Under these circumstances, the committee trust that her Majesty's 
government will regard the proposed recognition of Texas with the 



THE LEGION OF LIBERTY. 



grealcst abhorrence ; and they cherish an earnest hope that in their 
decisions, considerations of humanity, justice, and liberty will be 
firmly held paramount to every other. On behalf of tlie Committee, 

G. W. ALEXANDER, Chalrvmn. 



GEORGE BRABBURN. 

Until lately. Texas was, as it now is of right, a part of the re- 
public of Mexico. While Mexico was under the dominion of Spain, 
slaveiy was tolerated there. But on becoming independent of the 
mother countiy, she, with a consistency of which our country would 
have done well to set the example, gave liberty to her bondmen, and 
declared, that slavery should exist no more within her borders forever. 
With this state of things, the people were evidently well enough sa- 
tisfied. For, they were not the hypocrites to withhold from others 
the liberty which they had fought and bled to secure for themselves. 
They had not yet been contaminated by association with North Ameri- 
can republicans. They would, therefore, to a man, have remained 
satisfied, but for the ' foreign interference' — the emigration into 
their country of a desperate set of speculators, gamblers, blacklegs, 
fleshmongers, slave-drivers, and demagogues, from these United 
States. These miserable libels upon humanity, though they did not 
without great difficulty, and never wholly, succeed in joining to their 
causes the old settlers of the soil, did, nevertheless, by accession to 
their numbers from this country, and by aid of friends they left be- 
hind, who, unlike themselves it seems, had not quite patriotism 
enough to leave their country for their country's good, ultimately felt 
themselves sufficiently strong to attempt the transfer of their allegi- 
ance from Mexico to the government of the United States. They 
desired to establish slavery in their new country. It was one of the 
chief objects of their rebellion. The plan was regarded with favor 
by the slave-holding members of this Union, as also by certain land- 
sharks of the free states, who had made investments in Texan lots. 
The former saw in it a powerful means of strengthening their " pe- 
culiar institution." Both knew, if it succeeded, it would put mo»iey 
into their pockets. 



EDMUND QUINCY. 

There are perils, and those inmiinent — perils, which in the opinion 
of many wise men threaten to lock forever the fetters of the slave, 
and even to throw the hnks of the chain around the limbs of the free. 
If Texas, say they, — the land of the pirate and the murderer, the 
common sewer into which is drained all the filth which is too abomi- 
nable even for the slaves states to endure — if Texas be annexed to 
the United States, then slavery will be forever entailed upon us, and 
the preponderance which will be given to the slave-holding interest 
in the councils of the nation, by that event, will render the freemen 
of the north but the serfs of a southern task-master. If Texas be 
not annexed, then the Union will be dissolved ; a slave-holding con- 
federacy will be formed, and slavery forever perpetuated. 



EDMUND QUINCY. 

I am sure t;;at no man can deprecate more sincerely than I do, the 
aniicxalion of Texas to this union. I bchcve that I realize all the 
immediate and all the remote bearings which that event would have 
upon the great cause of Universal Freedom. Th.ere is no effort which 
I would not make — no sacrifice to which I would not gladly submit 
-to avert that most hateful alliance. But were it accomplished to- 
morrow, should I despair ? Should I despondingly abandon the 
cause of God and liberty on that account, and believe that the trickery 
of a handful of scurvy politicians at Washington could cancel the 
decree registered in the chancery of heaven — that every slave shall be 
free ? Should I even believe that the period of universal emancipa- 
tion would bo very much delayed by that event ? No, sir. The only 
etfcct which such a blow would have upon me, and which I believe 
it would have upon every Abolitionist, would be to make me feel that 
a great work was to be done in a short time. That we must concen-- 
trate all our eflbrts, and multiply all our machinery for acting upon 
the public mind, before the young dragon by the banks of the Sabine 
be fully grown, and before she have engendered a brood like unto 
herself, to be arrayed by her side against the cause of God and free- 
dom. 

Whenever proclamation is made that the union of these states is 
dissolved, on that day the death-knell of slavery is tolled. As soon 
as they are released from the fatal embrace of their northern friends, 
their patriarchal system falls to the ground. It is the sympathy and 
eiicouragcment of the free states which sustain that system now. 
Let the ties of interest, which create that false sympathy, be severed, 
and it vanishes ; stifled humanity revives, and the oppressor n)ust 
soon break his rod for very shame. It is a strange infatuation to sup- 
pose that any military force, or any custom house regulations, could 
keep from the inhabitants of any country the influence of the whole- 
some public opinion of neighboring nations, and the scorn of the 
civilized world. 



The Americans of our revolution then fought for their own liberty, 
and through their example of successful resistance, for the liberty of 
the v.'orld, Euf the Texans are fighting fur slavery among themselves, 
and if success crown their desperate efibrts, they will have fouglit 
for the perpetuity of slavery througheut the world. The wishes of 
the 'I'exians are now for their annexation to these United States of 
America. If they be admitted into the union, a deep, perhaps one 
of the deepest blows that can be struck, will have been inflicted on 
the rights of man ; the name of liberty will have been profaned, her 
spirit disgraced, and her fair presence banished for a time, perhaps 
forever, from ' the land of the free, and the home of the brave.' 
As Texas rebelled against Mexico, because the institutions of domes- 
tic slavery could not exist in that nation, she, of course, would not 
ask for admission into our union, unless permitted to enter with all 
her slavish retinue. She deserted Mexico, because Mexico is a free 
state ; she now begs in the name of liberty, and with the prayer of 
freemen, to be united vviih the United States, because here under tlio 



TEXAS. 



star-spangled banner of our republic, she can legally fasten iron chains 
on the bodies, and the far worse than iron chains, the corroding ma- 
nacles of ignorance and servitude on, in, and all around the minds 
of her slaves. — The Pawtucket Chronicle. 



Texas. — Shall this land of slavery, this inunense reservoir of col 
lected abominations, become an integral part of this nation ? 

The avowed object is to .<^ecure ' the safety and repose of the south- 
ern states :' that is, in plain King's English, to rivet the chains of 
slavery not on the slave only but the nation. 

In Rome, next to crucifixion the most infamous punishment con- 
sisted in lashing to the felon's back a dead and putrefying carcass. 
That we as a nation have reached the point of criminality at which 
justice might righteously doom us to carry ' this body of death,' is 
"what we dare not deny. But we are called upon to bind the burden 
on our own backs — to do it freely — and by a deliberate act of na- 
tional legislation, to proclaim that we are worthy of the infamous 
punishment, and are ready to bow down and bear it ! 

What then is to be done ? Petition Congress. This is a legiti- 
mate remedy. On this question all may unite, except the slave-holder, 
without distinction of party, sect, or place. Let public sentiment 
then, concentrating its decisive and determined energies into one loud 
and defening veto, meet the proposed measure on the threshold. Let 
it be seen that however artfully the demon of oppression may lay his 
plans, the friends of freedom are prepared at every point to meet him. 
— Cleveland Journal. 



LEGISLATURE OF VERMONT. 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That the 
Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested 
to use their influence in that body to prevent the annexation of Texas 
to the union. 

That, representing as we do the people of Vermont, we do, here- 
by, in their name, solemnly protest against such annexation in any 
form. 

That as the representatives of the people of Vermont, we do so- 
lemnly protest against the admission into this union, of any state 
whose constitution tolerates domestic slavery. 

That congress have full power by the constitution, to abolish sla- 
very and the slave trade in the district of Columbia and in the terri- 
tories of the United States, 

That our senators in congress be instructed and our representatives 
requested to present the foregoing report and resolutions to their re- 
spective houses in congress, and use their influence to carry the same 
speedily into effect. 

That the governor of this state be requested to transmit a copy of 
the foregoing report and resolutions to the president of the United 
States, and to each of our senators and representatives in congress 

Novemher 1, 1837. 



TEXAS. 



By the House also resolved, That congress has the constitutional 
power to prohibit the slave trade between the several states of this 
union, and to make such laws as shall effectually prohibit such trade. 



THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Resolved, That in the name and on behalf of the people of Ohio, 
we do hereby protest against the annexation of the republic of Texas 
to the union of these states, as unjust, inexpedient, and destructive 
of the peace, safety, and well-being of the nation ; and we do, in the 
name and on behalf of the said people solemnly declare that congress 
has no power conferred on it by the constitution of the United States, 
tu consent to such annexation ; and that the people of Ohio cannot 
be bound by any such covenant, league or arrangement, made be- 
tween congress and any foreign state or nation. 



MEMORIAL. 

To the senate and house of representatives of the United States 
of America, in cojigress assembled. 

The memorial of the convention for the formation of an anti-sla- 
very society for the state of Pennsylvania, assembled at Harrisburg, 
respectfully sheweth, 

That your memorialists have learned with sorrow and alarm, that 
a proposition is at tFiis time before your honorable body, to recognize 
the independence of the government assumed to be established by the 
insurgents of Texas. Against this measure, your memorialists in be- 
half of themselves, of the thousands whom they represent, and of 
the principles long cherished by the people of Pennsylvajiia ; in the 
name of liberty, justice, and humanity enter their SOLEMN AND 
UNITED PROTEST. 

Facts incontrovertible, which have come to the knowledge of your 
memorialists, warrant the belief that the insurrection in Texas, has 
been aided by citizens of the United States, that its main object, the 
grand cause of the movement, as evinced by the sentiments and con- 
duct of its advocates, and by the very constitution of their assumed 
government, is the establishment of domestic slavery, the re-opening 
of an immense slave market — to set up anew the shambles for human 
flesf), where the abhorrent traffic had been arrested and abolished by 
the legitimate authorities of Mexico— and finally, to annex the terri- 
tory to the United States. From a regard to the national honor ; for 
the character of the age in which we live ; by their obligations to 
posterity ; and above all to the God of justice, your memorialists feel 
themselves called upon as Pcnnsylvanians, the representatives of free- 
men and christians, to offer their strong remonstrance against any 
act on the part of the country of which they are citizens, which shall 
sanction or recognize a government which owes its origin to the base 
and unhallowed purpose of re-establishing slavery upon the soil of 
liberty. 

Your memorialists, therefore, respectfully but earnestly entreat 
your lionorable body, to reject the proposition for the recognition of 



TEXAS. 

the government, assumed to be established by the insurgrnls of Texas, 
as well as all attempts that may be made to connect it with the United 
States, and as in duty bound we will ever pray, &c. 

Sijrned in behalf of the Convention, 
F. JULIUS LE MOYNE, President. 

B. F. Allen, Wm. A. Adair, Benjamin Brown, Nathan Stein, Jo- 
seph M'Truman, Lindley Coates, Bartholomew Fussel, Wm. H, 
Fussels, Vice-Presidents, 

James Rhoads, Henry Duffield, Benjamin S.Jones, Wm, B. Tliomas, 
A. L. Post, Secretaries. 



NEW- YORK STATE A. S. CONVENTION 

Resolved, That we regard the influence and efforts of Am.erican 
citizens, in exciting and supporting an insurrectionary war in Mexico, 
with loathing and horror. 

That the south, in countenancing and encouraging insurrectionary 
movements in Mexico, has madly lent herself to assist in forging and 
sharpening the knife of the insurgent for her own defenceless throat. 

That we feel disgraced and outraged by the efforts of American 
citizens to restore slavery to Texas ; and that to the utmost of our 
power lawfully exercised, we will resist and call upon others to resist 
the introduction of Texas into om* republic. 



The sympathy which exists in behalf of Texas at the south, looks 
to other objects than the mere defence of that country. Texas is de- 
sired as an appendage to the strength of the south. They wish it 
annexed to the union, that the balance of power may still be found 
on the feeble side of' Mason and Dixon's line.' Once let the cry for 
succor be rung throug'i the land, and the annexation of Texas, they 
imagine, will be as easy as it is desirable. So reasons the south. Let 
the north reason otherwise. The Texians are not deserving of aid or 
sympathy. The invasion of that country by Santa Anna, is not un- 
provoked. It is in a great measure justified, in retaliation for the 
Santa Fe expedition, which had for its avowed purpose the subjuga- 
tion and pillage of Mexico. The Texians have provoked the assault, 
and now they must abide the consequences, unless a fool-hardy and 
absurd idea prevails, that we must succor these men, because Texas 
affords a refuge for outlaws and desperadoes for the whole continent 
of North America. — Phila. Gaz. 



There is little reason to believe that the independence of Texas 
would have been acknowledged if there had been any previous ap- 
prehension, in the minds of the people at large, that such an event 
was about to take place. Remonstrance upon remonstrance would 
have been poured upon the national legislature. But there was no 
effort, because there was no alarm. The message of president Jack- 
son, and the speech of Gov. McDuffie, (whatever might have been 
intended by those documents,) undoubtedly had the effect to make the 
almost universal impression that no attempt would be made during 
the session, to acknowledge the independence of Texas. The im- 



TEXAS. 

pression tliat it would not be attempted, was without doubt, the prin- 
cipal secret of its success. The friends of liberty and the union 
should see well to it that they are not caught slumbering a second 
time, on their posts. If they are, they must not be surprised if the 
wreck of our free institutions should finally prove to have been owing 
to their own inactivity and supinencss. We call on all good citizens 
and especially on those who have influence with the individuals now 
in power, to step forward at a crisis like the present, and save the 
administration, by saving the country from blood guiltiness, from re- 
tribution, from disgrace, disaster, and irretrievable ruin. — Friend of 
Man. 



Message of President Jackson to the House of Representatives, 
December '22, 18.36. 
"The acknowledgment of a new state as independent and entitled 
to a place in the family of nations, is at all times an act of great 
delicacy and responsibility; but more especially so, when such state 
has forcibly separated itself from another, of which it had formed an 
integral part, and which still claims dominion over it, A premature 
recognition, under these circumstances, if not looked upon as justi- 
fiable cause of war, is always liable to be regarded as a proof of an 
unfriendly spirit to one of the contending parties." 

Extract from the general order of General Jackson, for the execu- 
tion of Arbuthnot and Ambrister : " It is an established principle of 
the law of nations, that any individual, of any nation, making war 
against the citizens of another nation, they being at peace, forfeits 
his allegiance, and becomes an outlaw and a pirate." 

If this principle is correct, then by the rules of war, Santa Anna 
was right in executing the prisoners that he took in Texas, for they 
were, most of them, confessedly of this country. Here were their 
homes, before a love of plunder and of glory induced them to go to 
Texas, to fight against a government with which their native coun- 
try was at peace. — Liberator. 



WILLIAM B. TAPPAN. 

Admit her to the Union ? Yes ! 

If our democracy can bow 
To kings, and is prepared to kiss 

The loathsome hem of tyrants now> 
From principles that years have tried 

If thus we fall, no longer men, 
And to our fathers' deeds of pride 

Are recreant — why admit her then ! 
If slavery's foul and damning spot 

Must here increase like Ahab's cloud, 
Blackening the moral heavens till not 

One star shall blaze upon the proud ; 
If thus, a spectacle of scorn 

To nations, we're content, — let men 
Lift up the consummated horn 

Of infamy — admit her then I 



ANTI-TEXAS. 

'Annexation of Texas. — Resolutions in favor of annexing Texas 
to the United States have passed the T^an Congress. It will how- 
ever take two to make a bargain. The people of this country will 
never sanction it unless slavery is first abolished — and perhaps not 
then. We have too much territory now. — Souihport (Illinois,) 
American. 



EDWARD EVERETT. 

Whatever step we take towards annexation, is gratuitious. This 
whole subject has been so ably discussed by Dr. Channing, in his 
recent letter to Mr. Clay, that it would be superfluous to enlarge up- 
on it. I will only say that if, at this moment, when an all import- 
ant experiment is in train, to abolish slavery by peaceful and legal 
means in the British West Indies, the United States, instead of imi- 
tating their example or even awaiting their result, should rush into 
a policy of giving an indefinite extension to slavery over a vast re- 
gion incorporated into their Union, we should stand condemned be- 
fore the civilized world. It would be in vain to expect to gain 
credit for any further professions of a willingness to be rid of sla- 
very as soon as possible. No extenuation of its existence, on the 
ground of its having been forced upon the country in its colonial 
state, would any longer avail us. It would be thought, and thought 
justly, that lust of power and lust of gold had made us deaf to the 
voice of humanit}'^ and justice. We should be self-convicted of the 
enormous crime of having voluntarily given the greatest possible en- 
largement to an evil, which, in concert with the rest of mankind, 
we had affected to deplore, and that at a time w^hen the public sen- 
timent of the civilized world, more than at any farmer period, is 
aroused to its magnitude. 

There are other objections to the measure, drawn from its bear- 
ing on our foreign relations, but it is unnecessary to discuss them. 
Answer to Questions of his Constituents, 1837 



MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1843 

Resolves against the annexation of Texas to the Union. 

Resolved, That under no circumstances whatsoever can the peo- 
ple of Massachusetts regard the proposition to admit Texas into the 
Union, in any other light than as dangerous to its continuance in 
peace, in prosperity, and in the enjoyment of those blessings which 
it is the object of a free government to secure. 

Resolved, That the Senators and Representatives of Massachu- 
setts, in the Congress of the United States, be requested to spare no 
exertions to oppose, and if possible to prevent the adoption of the 
proposition referred to. 

Resolved, That His Excellency the Governor, be requested to 
transmit one copy of these resolutions to the Executive of each of 
the United States, and a like copy to each Senator and Representa. 
tive in Congress from Massachusetts. 



A.NTI-TEIAS. 



THE FREE AMERICAN. 



The success of the slaveholders thus far in disposing of the suk- 
jeCt of petitions and compelling their Northern satellites to lie stil^ 
and be trampled on ; the very affectionate and paternal expreasiow 
of the President's message towards our "daughter," repubhc ; th» 
unveiled anxiety of the South to find a balance weight in the Sen- 
ate for the new States of Iowa and Wisconsin, both of which will 
have Senators here in the 28Lh Congress ; the certainty that it m 
" Now or never" with them, and the strong ground of encourage- 
ment that they may now succeed, leave no room for doubt that eithei 
by a direct application from Texas to Congress, or by negociation 
with Mexico, confidentially, well understood to be agreeable to tlia 
leaders in Texas, there will be a more strenuous and determined ef- 
fort than has ever yet been made to secure the annexation of Tex- 
as to the United States. The only formal difficulty on our part, to 
a negociation with Mexico, to-wit, that we have fully acknowledg- 
ed the independence of Texas herself, can never be allowed to stand 
in the way of so great an object, especially when the whole thing 
is in the hands of slaveholders, and still more when the only party 
in interest to object, to-wit, Texas, is actually in favor of the tran». 
fer. — J. Leavitt. 



THE LfBEkATOR. 

Although the south has been defeated in her first attempt to aiw 
ncx the stolen and blood stained territory of Texas to this Unior^ 
yet it must not be supposed that she means to give up the project 
as hopeless, without making fresh exertions to carry it into efi^eck 
When she put her robbei*-hand upon Texas, and wrested it from 
Mexico, she did not dream of creating an independent slave-holding 
country by her side ; nor did she anticipate the amount of opposition 
Uiat would be called forth on the part of the partially abolitionized 
north, against the daring proposition to unite Texas with this coui>- 
try. She does not mean to be foiled in her purpose, but is unques^ 
tionably watching for a favorable opportunity, when northern sus- 
picion is slumbering, to carry the measure in Congress by the sama 
device that she procured the acknowledgment of Texan independ. 
ence, Hear the Natchez Free Trader on this subject, in a recent 
number : — " We have reason to believe, fj-om some advices, that a 
new proposition relative to the union of Texas with this country 
will be brought forward by a distinguished gentleman, at the next 
session of Congress, under very favorable auspices." This warning 
is fairly given, and it behoves the non-slaveholding States to be pre- 
pared for the conflict. They must never consent to such an aiv 
negation on any terms. Sooner let the Union be dashed to pieces. 



ANTI-TEXAS. 

THE LIBERTY PRESS. 

Be assured that a tixed and unalterscblc determination is entertain- 
ed by the slaveholders of the South to have Texas annexed to this 
Union early next session. In addition to the evidences of this con- 
tained in the Resolutions of Tennessee, Alabama, &c., the general 
tone of the Southern press, the express declarations of Henry A. 
Wise made last session, tlic appointment of Waddy Thompson as 
Minister to Mexico, the recent letter of Governor Gilmer, of Vir- 
ginia, the assurance of Mr. Adams that this is and will continue to 
be a measure vehemently urged by the South, so long as they have 
the least hope of securing it, we now have from a reliable source 
some further information in reference to it. A member of Congress 
from one of the ultra-slaveholding States has a friend in Texas who 
has just written him, detailing their vi^retched and despairing con- 
dition there. They have neither money nor credit to carry on the 
war, are in daily expectation of invasion, are so utterly bankrupt in 
property and character at home and abroad that they can get no 
aid, and unless they can ultimately be annexed to the United States, 
that there is absolutely no hope for them ! ! He says if invaded 
they can make a sudden and temporary rally, and defend themselves, 
but they can neither raise nor sustain an army for continued ser- 
vice. 

It is a case of life or death with them, and the South know it. 
This member of Congress said to another with whom he conversed, 
and to whom he shewed the letter, we must and shall have Texas 
annexed soon — probably not this Congress, but early the next session. 
But can you expect to get Northern votes to aid in this project ? Yes, 
we do expect to, and we shall get them, too, replied the former, and 
once having secured the object, if the Northern folks don't like it, 
let the dissolution of the Union come — we are prepared for it ! ! The 
Texians are bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh, and must be 
sustained. Mr. Calhoun and President Tyler are well known to be 
in favor of it. 

The Southern policy is to say as little about it as possible be- 
forehand, so that the masses in the North need not be aroused, and 
when the deed is once done, they anticipate a grumbling acquies. 
cence, as in similar instances heretofore- Several members of Con- 
gress have been writing into their districts, sounding the alarm. 

THE NEW-YORK AMERICAN. 

So, then, it is only necessary for a gang of plunderers and out- 
laws to declare themselves a party of emigrants, (armed to the teeth 
tJiough they be,) and they can go on in their lawless career unmo- 
lested. Well, then, as it is a poor rale that will not work both 
ways, let us reverse the case. Let us suppose another South Caro- 
lina nullification affair. Let us suppose matters to be brought to 
such a pass, as to involve the general government and South Caro- 
lina in *iivil v/ar. And now for emigrating parties. Fleets and ar- 
mies oooie from Mexico and Great Britain, and various other quar- 



AISTI-TEXAS. 

Irrs, lo aid South Carolina in its revolt against the national govern- 
ment. That Government remonstrates against such proceedings, as a 
violation of ncuUahly, or even as an attempt to overthrow the govern, 
nient il.-elf. To ail its remonstrances ; to all its complaints that 
those armies and fleets were openly raised and fitted out, and that 
they sailed " with drums beating, and fifes playing," fi^r the land of 
nulhfication; the reply of those foreign governuients should be, that 
those forces called themselves emigrating parties. Think ye, that 
our government would be satisfied with this? And who can tell but 
this supposition may yet becouie history ? Who can say, that some 
American Cataline, some Arnold, or Shays, or Burr, will not yet 
rear the standard of rebellion against the government, and be aided 
in this very way by the '• emigrant" fleets and armies of those gov. 
ernments that wish to see our republican institutions overthrown ? 
We should remember the scripture maxim : " With the same mea- 
sure that ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." 

These Texan emissaries appealed to the passions of our people 
something after the manner following, as portrayed by a Mexican 
writer : 

" They claimed the assistance of the Americans as brothers ; but 
they took care to say nothing about how they had cheated these 
brothers before they went to Texas. They told them the Mexicans 
are cruel, treacherous and cowardly ; but they took care to say 
nothing about their own deceitful, and treacherous conduct to the 
Mexicans. They told them that the Mexican government, instead 
of nourishing and cherishing the people of Texas, was their robber 
and oppressor ; but they carefully concealed, that the Mexicans had 
given them lands for nothing — had never called upon them, for any 
sacrifice whatever — allowed them even the free exercise of their re- 
ligion — and that their only robbers and oppressors were their fellow 
citizens of the United States, who wanted to seize their lands. 
They told them that in colonizing Texas, the Mexican government 
owed them a favor, and not they to the Mexican government, but 
they made no reference to the fact, that in the United States, every 
territory was settled in the same jnanner, and that, too, after paying 
well for the land, which they did not" — in Texas". " They assured 
them that the Mexicans were bringing the savage Indians to mur- 
der them ; but they concealed that the Mexican troops protected 
them from those very Indians, and that if the Indians are hostile, it 
is on account of indignities offered by the Texans, and of being de- 
prived of their lands by them. They spoke most pathetically of 
hunger, thirst, dangers innumerable, and evils inexpressible in Tex- 
as, all owing to the vile Mexicans ; but they confessed not the 
truth, namely, that from the Mexicans they not only got lands, but 
also llocks and lierds, and that the hardships incident lo all new set- 
tlements were scarcely ever felt in Texas. They declared, that it 
was not they who were the aggressors, but the Mexican govern- 
mentj without any provocation whatever; but they omitted the fact, 
iJiat the Mexican government had granted every law they wanted ; 



ANTI-TEXAS. 

promised protection to all orderly settlers ; and only wanted to ptin- 
ish and expel land speculators and jobbers, who had introduced 
themselves from the United States, with slaves. They tempted 
them with the large tracts of fertile land that the grateful Texians 
would allow them for their assistance against the Mexicans ; but 
tliey (the land jobbers) concealed, that they themselves, by false 
titles and usurpation, pretended a right to all the lands in Texas 
that were valuable ; that they wanted to resist the Mexican govern- 
ment, to preserve these lands unlawfully acquired ; and tliat the 
Texans, in place of sympathizing with them, hated them as spoilers 
of the commonwealth, and disturbers of the public peace." 

JUSTITIA. 



NEW- YORK TRlBUxNE. 

, We have received communications on both sides of the questioa 
of consenting to the Annexation of Texas to our P'ederal Union. 
We cannot make room for them, deeming it incredible that any sane 
man should favor such Annexation, and having no room to waste 
on fighting shadows. Whenever the question shall be brought be- 
fore the country by the advocates of Annexation, we shall be found 
among the most determined, untiring opposers of any such measure- 
Our country is quite large enough now ; Texas is burthened with 
war and debt ; her people are too generally improvident and idle, and 
we would far sooner sjiare many more such than take them back 
again. Besides, any attempt to annex Texas to the Union w'ould 
excite the bitterest jealousy and hostility in England, France, and 
throughout the civilized world. Why not let well enough alone ? 
If the Texans prefer to live in the United States, they can easily 
come back here — far more easily than they can maintam themselves 
where they are. 

We have reports that the Southern States favor tlie Annexation, 
but do not yet find evidence to confirm them. W^hy should the 
South seek needlessly to renew the perils of the .Missouri controver- 
sy ? — to throw the whole subject of Slavery into the arena of party 
politics and bar-room altercation ? No, no : the old and safe rule of our 
International policy — " Equal justice to all ; entangling alliances 
with none," — must be adhered to, or we shall be afloat on a fathom- 
less, shoreless sea of troubles. Let us be wise noio. — Nov. 1842, 



PITTSBURGH GAZETTE. 

We are fearful that the importance and truth of Mr. Adams's re- 
marks in reference to the conspiracy existing among slaveholding 
politicians, to annex Texas to the Union, will not be felt by the peo- 
ple generally, until they wake up to find the object of the conspira- 
cy consummated, or so nearly consummated that resistence will be 
hopeless. 

If, through supineness and indifference, the North permits this 
great object of the South to be accomplished, there will be an end 
of all independence and free legislation, on the part of the free 



ANTI-TEXAS. 

States. We shall then become the vassals of the southern taskmas- 
ter. A sufficient. number of States can be carried out of Texas, to 
give the South the balance of \)o\ve\- forever. They will then have 
both the power of numbers and the power resulting from a common 
interest in an immense amount of property. 

Can any lover of his country look upon this prospect of entailing 
upon us the power, the influence and enormities of American sla- 
very, through all time, without a feeling of horror and indignation ; 
and yet there cannot be the slightest doubt that such is the design 
of the South. The following article, from the Cincinnati Gazette, 
commenting on an article from the Union, the organ of Tyler, in 
New. York city, is worthy of attention. The remarks of the Union 
are strongly corroborative of the statements of Mr. Adams, and 
show that there is danger, — danger near at hand, and of a most 
alarming character. The present unprincipled occupant of the 
Presidential chair is a firm believer in the sentiment that " what the 
law declares to be property, is property :" and that " two hundred 
years of legislation has sanctioned and sanctified negro slaves as 
property." Acting on this belief, he is bending all his exertions to 
perpetuate the existence of this great evil. Let every patriot and 
fi'iend of human rights ponder well on this subject. The Gazette 
says : 

" There are those who affect to laugh at Mr. Adams's views as 
regards the annexation of Texas to this Union. We believe his 
statements ; and furthermore we believe that it is the intention of a 
large portion of the politicians now in power to secure this object. 
The plan, as we understand it, is to guarantee the independence of 
Texas, and, if practicable, to go further, and secure its annexation 
to this country." 

Texas. — Memorials against the admission of Texas into the union 
ought to be industriously circulated through the country, for every 
body to sign, and be poured in at the next Congress in clouds. The 
admission of Texas into the union, would be the death warrant of 
that union. It might linger out a short and painful existence after- 
wards, but what would remain of life after admitting Texas, would 
be like the life of man after 70 — 

" We rather sigh and groan than live."— Lynn Record. 

We trust for our country's sake and happiness — for our liberty 
and union and peace — that this most extravagant scheme about to 
be renewed, of annexing Texas, which is twice as large as Pennsyl- 
vania and Virginia united — to her already bloated Territory, will be 
frowned down by the universal people. A union resting as one ter. 
minus on the Pacific Ocean, as another on Mexico, as a third on 
N. Brunswick and the Atlantic, could not be held together for six 
months. It would crumble to pieces by its own weight, and over- 
whelm all in its ruins. Or, if it was kept consolidated, it would on- 
ly be by the agency, of some despotic principle, which could bury 
the Liberty and happiness of the American people in one common 
grsive.— Richmond Whig 



ANTI-TEXAS. 




SANTA-ANNA. 

How can we style him a tyrant, who benevolently offered the 
southern planters the noble privilege of tilling the land in the Prov- 
ince of Texas, and that, too exempt from taxation for ten years ? 
Can we call Santa-Anna a tyrant, who in 1829, passed a decree 
that there should be no slaves held in his dominions after that year ? 
Can we call him a tyrant, who opposed the efforts of rebels, and 
used them with deserved severity ? Do we call him a tyrant, who 
fought and bled in a cause whose principles are immortal, and are 
from the authority of God ? — who to contravene the efforts of those 
who wished to substantiate more firmly the horrible system of sla- 
very. Justice and equity— right and wrong, remain the same, not- 
withstanding the customs of man being vitiated by corruption, and 
he calls that injustice which opposes him. Yes, Santa Anna too 
well knew that there was no crime, however dreadful, that the sys- 
tem of slavery did not tolerate and generate, and that a nation, how. 
ever prosperous and wealthy, would fall into anarchy under its 
deadly influence. 

When Congress had not declared war with Mexico, what folly 
was it for the troops of this nation to assume the power of commit, 
ting hostilities ? So far have men been swallowed up in iniquity, that 
their return for benevolence is foul revelry and devastating destruc 
tion. These things cannot continue long in such a state, where the 
fundamental principles of human unalienable rights are so impetu- 
ously opposed. As christians, we cannot but believe, that such 
conduct will ere long, call down the irresistable wrath and judg- 
ment of an immutable and offended God. — Woonsocket Patriot. 

Much exultation is manifested by certain editors at the Texian 
success of arms, as an advance of civil liberty. We could most cordi- 
ally respond to their rejoicings did we believe that such would be 
the result. We have a totally different opinion of the subject. We 
believe it will be to extend and perpetuate Slavery — to rivet more 
firmly the shackles of the oppressed African, and that the hue and 
cry for Texian liberty, means in fact no more than liberty to hold 
slaves, and that the Constitution of the United States, should it ev- 
er he extended over them, guaranteeing to them, in letter, " life, lib- 
erty, and property," would be to all but the lordly master, «• a rheto- 
rical flourish." — Hampshire Republican. 



, ANTI-TEXAS. 

WILLIAM H. BURLEIGH. 

Ho ! for the rescue ! ye who part 
Parents from children — heart from heart — 
Up 1 " patriarchs" — and gather round, 
Ye vvlio t-ell infants by the pound! 
The land of chivalry and chains, 
Whose priests have sanctified pollution, 
Pours iu her ruffians from her plains. 
And Houston still with them, maintains 
Our " patriarchal institution !" 

Shout for the onset ! till the North, 
Startled, shall quit her little knavery, 

And pour her choicest scoundrels forth 
To fight for Texas lands and — slavery ! 

Shout for oar homes and household altars. 

Where justice comes not with her halters ! 

Wliere proudly walk our ranks among. 

The forger and the •' great unhung !" 
Where Houston, chief of San Jacinto, 

Arrayed in Presidential dignity, 
Reckless, remorseless, plunges into 
Crimes which " Old Nick" would scarce begin to, 

With all his lust and dire malignity I 

These be thy Gods, oh Texas !— these !— 

Tried heroes, dipped in lust and blood — 
From justice sturd}' refugees. 

And outcasts from the wise and good ! 
Then fling abroad our glorious star. 
And gather for victorious war — 
Led on by such, our arms shall be 
Bulwarks and walls for slavery I 

Ho ! Texians ! for the battle cry — 
•' Alamo ! vengeance to the foeman 1** 

Fling out your banner to the sky. 

Maintain — or in the struggle die ; 
The glorious right oi—fioprg-inp; iDoman, 
Augusi 25th, 1837. •/ ss t, 



Oppressed by Britain, we threw oifthe chain : 

A worse oppression we ourselves maintain, 

Texas has sins for which she should atone : 

Shall we take her's, and thus increase our own ? 

Shall we pursue a course which Heaven abhors, 

And bind our freemen, slaves to unjust laws ? 

Forbid it. Heaven ! nor let it e'er be said. 

That 'twas for this our fathers fought and bled ; 

Let not their sons erase their well earned fame, 

t-chpse their glory in a nation's shame.— Loui*. Jour, 



ANTI-TEXAS. 

RHODE ISLAND. 

Whereas this limited Government possesses no power to extend 
Its jm-isdiction over any foreig-n nation ; and no foreign nation, 
country, or people, can be admitted into this Union but by the sov 
ereio-n will and act oF the free people of all and each of these United 
States ; nor without the formation of a new compact of union, and 
another frame of government radically ditferent in objects, principles 
and powers, from that u-hich was framed for our own self-govern- 
went, and deemed to be adequate to all the exigencies of our own 
free Republic : Therefore, 

Resolved, That we have witnessed with deep concern the indi. 
cations of a disposition to bring into this Union, as a constituent 
member thereof, the foreign province or territory of Texas. 

Resolved, That although we are fully aware of the consequences 
which must follow the accomplishment of such a project, could it be 
accomplished — aware that it would lead speedily to the conquest 
and annexation of Mexico itself, and its fourteen remaining provin- 
ces or intendencies, which, together with the revolted province of 
Texas, would furnish foreign territories and foreign people for at 
least twenty members of the new Union, That it would load the 
nation with debt and taxes, and, by involving it in perpetual war 
and commotions, both foreign and internal, would furnish a pretence 
(which a state of war never fails to furnish) for the assumption and 
exercise of powers incompatible with our free republican institu- 
tions, and subversive of the liberties of the People. That the gov- 
ernment of a nation so extended and so constructed would soon be- 
come radically changed in character, if not in form ; would una- 
voidably become a military government, and, under the plea of ne- 
cessity, would free itself from the restraints of the Constitution, and 
from Its accountability of the People. 

Tliat we are fully aware of the deep degradation into which this 
young Republic would sink itself, in the eyes ol the whole world, 
should it annex to its own vast territories other and foreign territo- 
ries of immense though unknown extent, for the purpose of encourag- 
ing the propagation of slavery, and promoting the raising of slaves 
within its own bosom — the very bosom of freedom — to be exported 
and sold in those unhallowed regions. Although we are fully aware 
of these fearful evils, and numberless others which would come in 
Ibeir train, yet we do not here dwell upon them, because we are firm 
ly convinced that the free People of most, and we trust of all these 
States, will never sutFcr the admission of the foreign territory of Tex- 
as into this Union as a constituent member thereof; will never suf- 
fer the integrity of this Republic to be violated, either by the intro- 
duction and addition to it of foreign nations or territories, one or ma- 
ny, or by the dismemberment of it by the transfer of any or more of 
its membevs to a foreign nation. The People will be aware, that, 
should one foreign State or country be introduced, another and an- 
other may be, without end, whether situated in South America, in 
the West India islands, or in any other part of the world ; and that 



ANTI-TEXAS. 

a single foreign State thus admitted, niiglit have in its power, by 
holding the balance between contending parties, to wrest their own 
Government from the hands and control of the People by whom it 
was established for their own benefit and self-government. We are 
firmly convinced that the free People of these States will look upon 
any attempt to introduce the foreign territory of Texas, or any other 
foreign territory or nation, into this Union, as a constituent member 
or members thereof, as manifesting a willingness to prostrate the 
Constitution and dissolve the Union. 

Resohed, That his excellency the Governor be requested to for- 
ward a copy of the foregoing resolutions to each of our Senators and 
Representatives in Congress, and to each of the Executives of the 
several States, with a request that the same may be laid before tha 
respective Legislatures of said States. 
A true copy — witness : 

HENRY BOWEN, Sec. of State. 



LEGISLATURE OF MICHIGAN. 

»* Whereas propositions have been made for the annexation of Tex- 
as to the United Stales, with a view to its ultimate incorporation in- 
to the Union : 

" And whereas the extension of this General Government over so 
large a country on the Southwest, between which and that of the 
original States there is little affinity, and less identity of interests, 
would tend, in the opinion of this Legislature, greatly to disturb the 
safe and harmonious operations of the Government of the United 
States, and put in imminent danger the continuance of this happy 
Union : Therefore, 

" Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the State of Michigan, That in behalf, and in the name of, the 
State of Michigan, this Legislature doth hereby dissent from, and 
solemnly protest against, the annexation, for any purpose, to this 
Union, of Texas, or any territory or district of country heretofore 
constituting a part of the dominions of Spain in America, lying 
west or southwest of Louisiana," 



TO THE PEOPLE OF THE FREE STATES OF THE 

UNION. 

We, the undersigned, in closing our duties to our constituents and 
our country, as members of the 27th Congress, feel bound to call 
your attention, very briefly, to the project long entertained by a por- 
tion of the people of these United States, still pertinaciously adher- 
ed to, and intended soon to be consummated — the annexation of 
Texas to the Union. 

The open and repaeted enlistment of troops in several States of 
this Union in aid of the Texan revolution ; the intrusion of an 
American army, by order of the President, far into the territory of 
the Mexican Government, at a moment critical to the fate of the in. 
Burgents, uiviwr pretence of preventing Mexican soldiers from fo- 



ANTI-TEXAS. 

Bienting Indian disturbances, but in reality in aid of, and acting ia 
stnorular concert and coincidence with, the army of tiie revolution 
sUm; the entire neglect of our Government to adopt any efficient 
measures to prevent the most unwarrantable aggressions of bodies 
of our own citizens, enlisted, organized, and officered within our owa 
feorders, and marched in arms and battle array upon the territory, 
and against the inhabitants of a friendly Government, in aid of free- 
booters and insurgents ; and the premature recognition of the in- 
dependence of Texas, by a snap vote, at the heel of a session of 
Congress, and that, too, at the very session when President Jackson 
had, by special message, insisted that " the measure would be con- 
trary to the policy invariably observed by the United States, in all 
sjmilar cases, would be marked with great injustice to JMexico, and 
peculiarly liable to the darkest suspicions, inasmuch as the Texans 
were almost all emigrants from the United States, and sought the re- 
eognition of their independence with the avowed purpose of obtain- 
ing their annexation to the United States ;" these occurrences are 
too well known and too fresh in the memory of all to need more than 
a passing notice. These have become matters of history. For fur- 
ther evidence on all these and other important points, we refer to 
the memorable speech of John Quincy Adams, delivered in the 
House of Representatives during the morning hours of June and Ju- 
ly, 1838, and to his address to his constituents, delivered at Brain- 
tree, September 17, 1842. 

The open avowal of the Texans themselves, the frequent and anx- 
ious negotiations of our own Government, the resolutions of vari- 
ous States of the Union, the numerous declarations of members of 
Congress, the tone of the Southern press, as well as the direct ap- 
plication of the Texan Government, make it impossible for any man 
to doubt that annexation and the formation of several new slave- 
holding States and the Executive of the nation. 

The same references will show, very conclusively, that the par- 
ticular objects of this new acquisition of slave territory were the per- 
petuation of slavery and the continued ascendancy of the slave 
power. 

We hold that there is not only " no political necessity" for it, " no 
advantages to be derived from it," but that there is no constitution- 
al power delegated to any department of the National Government, 
U> authorize it ; that no act of Congress, or treaty for annexation, 
can impose the least obligation upon the several States of this Un- 
ion to submit to such an unwarrantable act, or to receive into their 
family and fraternity such misbegotten and illegitimate progeny. 

We hesitate not to say, that annexation, effected by any act or 
proceeding of the Federal Government, or any of its departments, 
would be identical with dissolution. It would be a violation of our 
national compact, its objects, designs, and the great elementary 
principles which entered into its formation, of a character so deep 
and fundamental, and would be an attempt to eternize an institu- 
tion and a power of nature so unjust in themselves, so injurious to 



ANTI-TEXAS. 



the interests and abhorrent to the feelings of tlie people of the free 
Slates, as, in our opinion, not only inevitably to result in a dissolu- 
tion of the Union, but fully to justify it ; and we not only assert 
that the people of the free States " ought not to submit to it," but 
we say, with confidence, they would not submit to it. We know 
their present temper and spirit on this subject too well to believe for 
a moment that they would become particeps crimivis in any such 
subtle contrivance for the irremediable perpetuation of an institu- 
tion which the wisest and best men who formed our Federal Con- 
stitution, as well from the slaves as the free Slates, regarded as art 
evil and a curse, soon to become extinct under the operation of laws 
to be j)assed prohibiting the slave-trade, and the progressive influ 
ence of the principles of the Revolution. 
Washington, March 3, 1843. 

John Quincy Apams, 
Setii M. Gates, 
William Slade, 
William B- Calhoun, 
Joshua R. Giddings, 
Sherlock J. Andrews, 
Nathamel B. Borden, 
Thos. C. Chittenden, 
John Mattocks, 
Christopher Morgan, 
Joshua M. Howard, 
ViCTORv Birdseye, 
Thomas A. Tomlinson, 
Staley N. Clark, 
Charles Hudson, 
Archibald L. Linn, 
Thomas W. Williams, 
Truman Smith, 
David Bronson, 
George N. Briggs. 



The Texan Revolution, by Prohus.— This is a pamphlet of 84 
large octavo pages, and contains a very comprehensive account of 
that unparalleled outrage against the laws of Nature and of Nations. 
It exhibits the perfidy of the president— hospitality of the Mexicans, 
—pretexts of the revolution— the real causes— base scheme to annex 
It to U. S. at the next session of Congress, 1843-44— John Tyler, 
Cabmet and Co.—war of Texas and U. S. against Mexico and Great 
IJritain— visitation and search, the slave trade and Cass— speech of 
John Quincy Adams— other presidents' proclamations of Neutrality. 
Sold at the National A. S. Standard. Office No. 143 Nassau Street, 
New-York ; 2d cents single. 



THE ANTI-TEXASS LEGION. 







ERIN GO BliAGH I 



DANIEL O'CONNELL. 

Having been the first to call the attention of the English peo- 
ple to the horrible prospects of increased inhumanily, and ac- 
cumulating crime, whicii the piratical society called the State of 
Texas, holds out, I feel it is my bounden duty again to endeavor 
to arouse English sympathy to this interesting subject. It is ne- 
cessary to awaken the best feelings of the British nation, in 
order to prevent the mischiefs and miseries which must ensue 
from the establishment of another slaveholding state. For my 
former exertion I have had my reward ; I have been, as usual, 
abused and viliiied, and I intend, if possible, to earn more of 
the virulence and calumny of the friends of slavery. 

The necessity for further exertion is obvious and pressing. 
France has recognised these pirates. France, at whose name 
humanity has so often had cause to shudder, seems to be reckless 
of all principle, and to calculate only on some paltry mercan- 
tile gain. France has given its barbaric sanction to the exist- 
ence of a community fraught with so inuch crime, and pregnant 
with so much misery to a large number of our fellow creatures. 

The Texians must conquer or abolish slavery, or else restore to 
Mexico the territory they have usurped from that state by a sub- 
mission to that republic. There is no other alternative.^ If 
prompt steps are taken to counteract the efforts of the Texians, 
they will easily be stayed in their career of iniquity. If they are 
allowed to swell into any thing like national importance, it is 
scarcely possible to calculate the extent of human misery they 
will produce, or the quantity of immortality, sin, and vice, 
which their slaveholding system must necessarily cause. 

The Texian State! has for some time been recognized by the 



THE ANTI-TEXASS LEGION. 

United Stales, and is now recognized by France! What a con- 
temptible thing to be called a nation ? There are, to be sure, 
about thirty thousand slaves: and in every slave country, the ra- 
tio of slaves to white men must necessarily augment on the side 
of slavery. In order to have such a state subsist, the slaves must 
be much more numerous than the white men; and the free white 
man will never consent to labor by the side of the slave. All 
the drudgery of labor in such a state must necessarily be perform- 
ed by slaves. It is obvious that thus a great and increasing de- 
mand for slaves must exist in the Texian territory. This reflec- 
tion alone ought to*\'Ouse every man possessed of one single spark 
of humanity to aid my plan for checking this horrible enormity. 

Let a Christian reflect on the pollutions of the slave-breeding 
system in the United States, for which the Texians professed to 
have preserved a monopoly of their slave market. ' From the 
United States alone,' says William Kennedy, ' Texas is to obtain 
her slaves,' AVhat an encouragement to that hideous and most 
wicked industry — the breeding of slaves. The apportioning the 
sexes as in our cattle-breeding farms, two males to twelve fe- 
males. But it is not possible, in the language of decency, to de- 
escribe the horrific nature of this system — a system which has 
been unknown imtil recently, and is unpractised all over the 
world, save only on a small scale amongst the rudest and most 
degraded barbarians, and, on a greater scale, by the civilized and 
proud republicans of some of the states of North America. 

The committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery So- 
ciety, hav^e truly described them thus: <f Unprincipled adven- 
turers, land jobbers, and slaveholders from the United. States, 
whose conduct deserves the most indignant rebuke, and must at- 
tach lasting dishonor to all who may become implicated in it." 
Next let us see how Mr. Ward, the talented member for Shef- 
field, Avell acquainted with the subject, describes them. He, 
in the Weekly Chronicle, has told the British people this: 
" Texas is now tenanted by the wildest and most lawless of races. 
The men who have been driven from the civilized portion of the 
United States, for their crimes, and have found even Alabama and 
Missouri too hot for them, seek in Texas a more congenial at- 
mosphere." 

There are your Anglo Saxon race! your British blood! your 
civilizers of the world! — men driven from civilization for their 
crimes! the wildest and most lawless of races! There is a 
gang for you! to be cried up of the Anglo-Saxon breed! the 
civilizers, forsooth of the world. 

The Morning Chronicle says: '* One of the most horrible 
crimes ever committed took place last month in Arkansas, where 
some murderers killed INIrs. Wright, the wife of a planter, seve- 
ral of her children, one in the cradle, one or two negroes, rob- 
bed the house, and burned it to conceal their crime. Three 
were taken. It is to be lamented that two or three others en- 
gaged in the barbarous act have fled into Texas." Again, I say, 



THE ANTI-TEXASS LEGION. 

there is j'our Anglo-Saxon race for you! your civilizers of the 
world! Texas is just the place for them. 

Let me conjure you to read, again, and again, the letter of Jo- 
seph Sturge on this subject, — the simple, unexaggerated state- 
ments he has made of the blood-guiltiness of these slave-holders 
in the United States, as well as in Texas. 

Whilst I write, the letter of John Scoble, one of the most 
fearless and indefatigable of the friends of humanity, has appeared. 
He describes the leading men among the Texians as ^monsters of 
iniquity;' he calls Texians themselves ^characterless villains,' 
and what is more he proves in detail that they merit these ap- 
pellations. I say, again, these are Mr. Kennedy's Anglo-Saxon 
race for you ! 

I appeal to Christians of all sects and persuasions to rally now 
for one great efibrt more to prevent the sin, the shame, the crime, 
the cruelt)^, the unpronounceable, the incalculable horrors of 
another slave holding state. If a bridle can be put in the mouth 
of the barbaric Texians, it is the last degree improbable that any 
future attempt will be made at a similar organization. 



HENRY BROUGHAM. 

He had been assured by a gentleman who came from that 
country, and who was a member of this same profession as 
hiMiselfj T: :; the Vvholc' pupulaiion, white and colored, did not 
exceed 100,000; bi.i he was grieved to learn that not less than 
one-fourth of the population, or 25,CLa. jiersons were in a state of 
slavery. This point led him to the foundation of the question 
which he wished to put to his noble friend. There was very lit- 
tle, or no slave trade carried on with Texas from Africa direct- 
ly ; but a large number of slaves were constantly being sent 
overland to that country. Although the major part of the land in 
Texas was well adapted for white labor, and therefore for free 
cultivation, still the people of that country, by some strange in- 
fatuation, by some inordinate love of immediate gain, preferred 
slave labor to free labor. As all access to the African slave mar- 
ket was shutout to them, their market for slaves v/as the United 
States, from whence they obtained a large supply of negro slaves. 
The markets from whence they obtained their supply of slaves 
were Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia, which States constant- 
ly sent their surplus slave population, which Avould otherwise 
be a burden to them, to the Texian market. 

The abolition of slavery in Texas must put an end to one of the 
most execrable crimes — for he could not designate it by the honor- 
able name of traffic — that could disgrace a people, namely, the 
rearing and breeding of slaves, or the being engaged in the sale of 
our fellow creatures. — Speech in the house of Lords, Au^. 19, 1843. 



THE ANTI-TEXASS LEGION 

ALBANY EVENING JOURNAL. 

We are glad to notice in the Louisville Jouraal, the leading 
Clay paper in the West, a strong and eloquent protest against 
the projiosed annexation of Texas to the United States. The 
Journal says : — 

"We hope it may never be necessary for us to discuss this ques- 
tion; but should the time ever arrive, when, in our opinion, we 
may do a public service by discussing- it, we shall most certainly 
not remain silent — we shall speak out and oppose the annexation 
with all Ihe power, energj'^ and perseverance, with which God has 
endowed us, believing it to be, next to John Tyler and the re- 
pudiation of State debts, the greatest misfortune which could be- 
fall this nation." 



ALBANY DAILY ADVERTISER. 

Some few years ago, and during the very first session of Con- 
gress that followed the expulsion of the Mexican troops from 
Texas and the capture of Santa Anna, at the decisive battle of 
San Jacinto, a strong elibrt was made to effect this annexation. 
Though that effort was defeated, the object has never been 
abandoned, and indications have been multiplying from time to 
time, especially, during the last eighteen months, that another 
struggle to accomplish that object cannot be far distant. The 
address published some months ago, by John Quincy Adams, and 
other members of the last Congress, took the san-.e view, and gave 
at considerable length rgasons [ov the conclusion to which they 
were led, and abundantly v.^arrantcd them in sounding their, note of 
warning to the people on this momentous subject. 

We speak of this subject as a "momentous" one, because wo 
cannot resist the conviction that annexation would be fraught, 
with peril to the continuance of our Union. 



ALBANY PATRIOT. 

The Loco party may be destroyed if they support the annexa- 
tion. For many of their nicest and best men will not listen to 
such a project for one moment. But the mass of the party may be 
dragooned in. The chief interest of the coming session of Con- 
gress will turn on this question. Every political man with whom 
we converse is full of apprehension about the result. And, we 
believe, unless abolitionists make the land rock with agitation 
on the subject the danger is imminent. Let us say, at once, 
"No Texas, or No Union." Away with all attempts to palter 
in this business. It is the death-struggle with the South, and 
for Liberty. Circulate other petitions, if you will, and a thou- 
sand other topics, all im])ortant in their time and place; but let 
the most time and effort be spent on this. Let our influential 
friends go personally to all the new Congress men, converse with 
them, and ask their influence against this measure, so fraught with 
ruin to all we love and value in that dear name, "our country." 



ANTI-TEXASS LEGION. 



DOVER GAZETTE. 



We b«lieve a matured and deep-laid plan already exists to ef- 
fect this dastardly and disgraceful object. It was warmed into life, 
as has been every venomous viper that has sought to poison the 
vitals of our republic, at the South, among- negro drivers and 
slaveholders. 

Its concocters depend upon northern votes to carry it through; 
encouraged by the past, their hopes are strong and ardent. They 
remember the famous Missouri Compromise; when the slavehold- 
ing power triumphed over the free spirited North, and dastardly 
truckling politicians turned traitors to their constituents, and con- 
sented to, and advocated an act which the people never approved. 
But we trust the projectors of the infamous plot to annex Texas 
to the American Union will be signally defeated and rebuked 
The eyes of the North especially must be opened to the alarming 
prospect before them. Before the Rubicon is passed, and Texas 
with its ponderous load of guilt and infamy, is annexed irrevo- 
cably to the United States, there is time to wake up brave and 
generous New-England, at least, to duty. 

The act, if accomplished, is to be the climax of a disastrous, 
unfortunate administration, and if more is wanting, this will fill 
the cup of its iniquity. Whether it can effect its object or not, 
time will soon determine. What is Texas? It is a territory filch- 
ed from the government of Mexico — taken and occupied by 
fraud, dishonesty, and falsehood. Because the soil is rich and 
valuable, it is no excuse for the robber who steals it, and there 
is no defence or excuse for those who have taken and held that 
part of the territory of Mexico cg-lled Texas, without the consent 
of the Mexican government, and indeed against its expressed de- 
sires. The Texan rebellion was one of the most barefaced, 
high-handed outrages ever recorded on the page of history, for 
which there is no legal or moral justification whatevei', and has 
no semblance to any thing we know of, save South Carolina 
Nullification. 

Call the Texasses Sons of America? So are the inhabitants of 
Botany Bay sons of England, yet who Avill rank the transported 
convicts in New Holland with honest, reputable Englishmen? 
And who will rank Texans with the free and intelligent sons of 
the New England Puritans? They are emigrants from the State; 
but they are those who made virtue of neccessity, and emigrated 
to Texas, rather than expiate guilt on the gallows, or within 
the walls of a penitentiary. Horse thieves have emigrated to Tex- 
as from the States in large numbers; so have murderers, burglars, 
incendiaries, bigamists, embezzlers, seducers; — indeed all crimi- 
nals who have had the luck or ingenuity to escape the hands of 
justice in the States, have sought an asylum in Texas — that home 
of the rogue and land of the slave. If we seek associates for the 
sake of decency let us get into good company. The character of 
the Texan people is well known— their journals have given no- 



THE ANTI-TEXASS LEGION. 

• 

(oi-icfy — travellers have published it to the world — their character 
is deservedly disreputable, and in some of its traits will not com- 
pare with that of the pirates who thirty years ago infested the 
Gulf of Mexico and the West Indies. The emigrants have given 
their cha)-acter to the whole people, and among them all, infamous 
is the general rule and respectable the exception. Who xvill 
rank the murderous, thievish clan which infests every town in 
Texas, with the quiet and peaceful villagers of the North? Who 
will rank men who have no Sabbath and no religion, with the 
sober, moral and I'eiigious communities in all parts of the North? 
Who will rank tyrants who feast on the profits of negro slavery, 
with the descendants of those who fought at Bunker's Hill and Ben- 
nington? As well rank virtue with vice, truth and right, with false- 
hood and wrong. But their character is too v/ell known to meri- 
much description, and this must give way to more important 
discussion. 

When done, the deed is irrecoverable; therefore the project 
should be crushed now, and Texas, at all hazards, union orno union, 
should be, must be kept out. 



VERGENNES VERMONTER. 

Whatever may be the difference of opinion at the North, in 
relation to the means of abolishing slavery — even though they 
are thousands who do not profess to be abolitionists and are not 
active in the abolition cause — yet there are very few northerners, 
who will not declare without the least hesitation, that slavery is 
a crime and a curse to the country, and that they could wish in 
their hearts that it never had no existence. No doubt this is a 
declaration that thousands in the South would be willing to make 
were it not against their interest to do so. The North will ne- 
ver acknowledge the right of slavery, even for her own interest, 
much less for the interest and sole interests of the South, and 
although she may not be able to succeed, in efifecting the aboli- 
tion of the evil, yet far be it from the Northern States, to do any- 
thing to build up and perpetuate the institution. 

Yet probably there may be some few northern dough-faces in 
the next Congress, who, through private interest and party con- 
ceit, may i)rove themselves insignificant enough to cast their votes 
in favor of this miserable spawn of political chicanery. Though 
we do not profess to be ranting political abolitionists, yet we do 
profess to be an anti-slavery man, and would give it as our sen- 
timent that the northern whig, Tylerile or locofoco who is base 
enough to favor this measure during the next session, or at any 
other period while things remain as they now are, deserves to be 
kicked out of the North by ev^y cripple in it, and after finding 
a refuge in the land of slaves from the just indignation of injur- 
ed cripples — the enslaved blacks, did they know their duty would 
volunteer a similar assistance and help on " the evil tenor of his 
way," until he arrives in that far-famed land of rogues and ruffians. 



THE ANTI-TEXASS LEGION. 

for the love of which he could have the barefacedness to per- 
petually fix the curse of slavery upon his coimtry and make the 
North an eternal bondman to the South. 

JOHN MATTOCKS. 

The Governor of Vermont, in his Message of 1843, says, 
*' There are strong reasons for anticipating that an attempt will 
very soon be made to annex the republic of Tesas to the United 
States, as v/ell for the purpose of creating a perpeUial market for 
slaves, as from that large territory, to carve oui. slave States 
enough to give a preponderacy in the Union to the Slave Power. 
If such an attempt shall succeed, then woe betides our vmhappy 
countr)\ Who then can hope that the wrath of Heaven can be 
longer constrained." 



VERMONT STATE CONVENTION. 

At the Vermont State Whig Convention, Nov. 1843 ; Resolved, 
That we deprecate the contemplated Annexation of Texas to 
the Union. We regard the movement to that end as originating 
in a purpose to perpetuate the Slave Power; and deem it our 
duty to declare, that such Annexation, if effected will be a virtual 
dissolution of the Union — introducing as it will into the confede- 
racy, parties entirely beyond the anticipation of the Constitution, 
thereby abolishing the old by the constitution of a new political 
family, and thus breaking up the foundation of our Federal Union. 

[This is ihe continuation of the repeated protests of the Legis- 
lature of the brave Green IMountain Boys; and the State Con- 
vention of the land of steady habits, Connecticut, reveberates 
the stirring strains. Will not the old State of New York and 
Pennsylvania, and the new states of Ohio and Illinois, awake to 
the echoes and- prolong the trumpet tones of seventy-six. 



SALEM REGISTER. 

That the project is entertained there can be no doubt, and it is 
well to be prepared for the attempt, however it may turn out. 
One thing is certain, that if northern men of all parties can ever 
be united on any measure, there can be but one vote throughout 
the entire North on this question, and that will be of stern, unde- 
viating, uncompromising hostility to the annexation of Texas. 
This measure they v/ill oppose to the death, let who may sup- 
port it. They can take no other course consistent with their 
own honor, their own rights, their own preservation, and they 
will never yield the point, never. They will not be driven 
from the ground under any futile pretence that the honor or 
safety of our flag is at stake, nor hide from their eyes the real 
question at issue — the perpetuation of slavery — however those in- 
terested in the matter may seek to disguise and conceal it. Keen 
eyed watchmen are upon the walls, and with them as sentinels 



THE ANTI-TEXASS LEGION. 

we fear little any insiduous approach or attack, if the people are 
only prepared for action the instant the alarm is sounded. Let 
all be ready at a moment's warning. 

We have thrown out these hints merely as suggestions for the 
consideration of the people. The Texas question bids fair to be 
the most exciting and absorbing topic of public discussion, that 
has arisen in this country in our day — one that will cast all 
others into the shade, and shake the nation to its centre. Let us 
be prepared to take a noble stand in relation to it, and to move 
in one united mass, with a firmness that nothing can daunt, hav- 
ing at least one common bond of imion, and that — uncomprom- 
ising hostility to the perpetuation of slavery by the annexation 
of Texas. 



NEW- YORK PRESENT. 

The full atrocity of this plot is laid bare with brazen-faced ef- 
rontery by its concoct-ers. If Texas can be gained, and slavery 
extended only at the risk of a war with England, who has the 
audacity to wish to destroy slaverj'^, the risk shall be run. This 
Texas union a national concern ? Truly, these sovithern masters 
of ours suppose our memories very short, or our spirits very 
meek, when one day they warm us with braggadocio threats, that 
they will allow no intrusion upon the privileges of their ' domes- 
tic institutions,' and then, the next daj-, cuflf and box our ears, 
and say, * come ye villains, to the defence of our rights. Have 
ye not learned that it is the serfs glory to fight for his lord's 
chattels?' Verily, this pretence that the honor of the United 
States as a nation, as a republic, as a union of free States depends 
upon extending the blessings of slavery over Mexico to the Pa- 
cific, is the most astounding impudent assertion ever uttered by a 
man not insane. Is it to be credited, that our people will swal- 
low this unadultered absurdity this double-distilled hypocrisy? 

Such, then, is the danger. The impending election and our- 
jealousy of England's aggressive policy, are to be used to make 
drunk, if possible, the good sense and integrity of our nation. 
But it is not possible. We cannot depend, perhaps, upon Con- 
gress, nor upon party leaders. But we can depend upon our 
countrymen. Minor questions will be merged. Party ties will 
be broken. The danger is great, but the courage and energy 
of the free States is sufficient for the emergency. What ought 
to be done will be done. A vast body of the citizens of the free 
States, at least, have quietly and resolutely made up their minds 
upon their duty; and not all the blustering of all the Hotspurs, 
will make them swerve a hair's breadth from their purpose. And 
if Congress or the Executive, by any device, still permit this pro • 
vince of Mexico to be pushed within our boundaries, the Uni- 
ted States will cease to be. We need but few words to announce 
a plain duty. We of the free States must wash our hands of this 
accursed scheme of perpetuating slavery. Be the consequence 
With Providence, 



THE ANTI-TEXASS LEGION. 

Injustice may seemingly be done to the large number of 
southern men, who are opposed (o the iniquitous plot of a few- 
hot headed leaders. But if the many of good sense and g-ood 
character at the South allow themselves to be gagged and hand- 
cuffed> and yoked to the car of a handful of arbitrary tyrants, they 
must blame themselves that they deserve censure. Let the con- 
science of the South speak freely out, and the Texas plot and 
slavery altogether be put away forever. 



NEW -YORK TRUE SUN. 

We leam from a source which we think entitled to considera- 
tion, that the President will recommend in his next Message, the 
annexation of Texas to the Union. This question will be the 
gravest which has agitated this country for many years. It 
will be advocated on the ground of a commercial and political 
necessity, and to prevent the farther intrusion of British interests 
in the neighborhood of the Gulf of Mexico. 

If John Tyler should be mad enough to make any such recom- 
racndtion, we hope it will receive no favor at the hands of the 
people, and will be crushed in Congress. In connection with 
this, we take pleasure in publishing the following resolution, 
which was offered by Hon. Truman Smith, of Connecticut, at the 
Vvliig State Convention at Hartford, and which passed by a unani- 
mous vote, and the right ground, and presents the consequences and 
inconsistencies of the annexation at a glance, and in a strong light. 

CONNECTICUT STATE CONVENTION. 

Resolved, That the annexation of the republic of Texas (a 
foreign and Independent State) to our Union, will be a most pal- 
pable and flagrant infraction of the Constitution of the United 
States, alike inconsistent with a heathful administration of gov- 
ernment and dangerous to our liberties, and must inevitably break 
up and destroy our glorious Union. 



NEW- YORK EVENING POST. 

This is the true point in the case. All that is said of the proba- 
bility of.Texas becoming a colony of Great Britain is but a dis- 
guise of the real question. Texas can exist as an independent 
nation as well as Sweden or Denmark. The desire to prevent 
her from taking her own course in regard to the abolition of sla- 
very, the desire to perpetuate and extend that great evil, is the 
secret spring of the movement in favor of annexing her to the 
United States. 

For our part while we are content that the people of those 
states in which slavery exists shall decide for themselves, with- 
out our interference, what is to be done with it, believing that 
causes are already in gradual operation which will inevitably 
bring on its extinction, we shall resist to the uttermost, any mea- 
sure which like the admission of Texas into the Union tends to give 
it a longerlife within our confederacy or on the continent we inhabit. 



THE SLAVES OF SLAVEHY. 

HENRY A. WISE. 

•'Let Texas once proclaim a crusade against the rich States to the 
south of .her, and in a moment, volunteers would flock to her stand- 
ard in crowds, from all the States in the great valley of the Missis- 
sippi — men of enterprise and valor before whom no Mexican troops 
could stand for an hour. They would leave their own towns, arm 
themselves, and travel on their own cost, and would come up in 
thousands, to plant the lone star of the Texan banner, on the Mexi- 
can capitol. They would drive Santa to the South, and the bound- 
less wealth of captured towns, and rifled churches, and a lazy, vic- 
ious and luxurious priesthood, would soon enable Texas to pay her 
soldiery, and redeem lier Slate debt, and push her victorious arms 
to the very shores of the Pacific. And would not all this extend the 
bounds of slavery ? Yes, the result would be, that before another 
quarter of a centurj'-, the extension of slavery would not stop short 
of the Western Ocean. We had but two alternatives before us; 
either to receive Texas into our fraternity of States, and thus make 
her our own, or to leave her to conquer Mexico, and become our most 
dangerous and formidable rival. 

" To talk of restraining the people of the great Valley from emi- 
grating to join her armies, was all in vain ; and it was equally vain 
to calculate on their defeat by any Mexican forces, aided by Eng- 
land or not. They had gone once already ; it was they that con- 
quered Santa Anna, at San Jacinto ; and three fourths of them, af- 
ter winnmg that glorious field, had peaceably returned to their homes. 
But once set before them the conquest of the rich Mexican provin. 
ces, and you might as well attempt to stop the wind. This Gov- 
ernment inight send its troops to the frontier, to turn tlieni back, and 
they v/ould run over them like a herd of buffalo, 

" Nothing could keep these booted loafers from rushing on, till 
they kicked the Spanish priests out of the temples they profaned." — 
Speech in Congress, April, 1842. 




W 73 



THE EAGLE OF LIBERTY. 
















'J^i^'jsiiJ 'r-rir--^r-fi rS,-ii^-^v»-j^.,si^/i^'. 



r*c«* 



THE FREE EAGLE OF MEXICO GRAPPLING THE 

COLD BLOODED VIFES, TYRANNY OR TEXAS. 



AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY. 

Resolved; — That we regard the project of annexing' Texas to 
these United States, as designed for the extension and perpetua- 
tion of slaver)', the slave trade, and slaveholdlng- tyranny and ex- 
tortion throughout the land; as unjust and perfidious to Mexico 
and to this country, and equivalent, if accomplished, to a dissolu- 
tion of the Union. — Decennial meeting at Phil., Dec. 7, 1843. 




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